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MEMOIR 



REV. liEGH RICHMOK^D, A.M. 

OF TRINITY COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE; 

RECTOR or TURVET, BEDFORDSHIRE} AND CHAPLAIN TO HI3 ROYAL 

HIGHNESS THE LATE DUKE OF KENT: 

AUTHOR OF THE 

DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER, THE YOUNG COTTAGER, &c. 



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REV. T: Si CJRIMSHAWE, A M. 

RECTOR OF BURTON-LATIMER, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE J AND VICAR OF 
BIDDENHAM. BEDFORDSHIRE. 



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PREFACE. 



In presenting the following; Memoir to the public, the edi- 
tor has to express his regret that it should make its ap- 
pearance so much later than the period originally design- 
ed, and under another name than what was announced in 
the prospectus. In explanation of both circumstances, it 
is necessary to stats that the execution of the present 
work was first proposed to the editor by the family and 
more immediate friends of Mr. Richmond; but his state 
of health at that time, and his temporary residence on 
the Continent for its recovery, opposed an insuperable diffi- 
culty. 

In the mean time, the Rev. Henry Gauntlett, vicar 
of Olney, Bucks, and well known as the author of the ^^Ex- 
position of the Book of Revelation,'' kindly engaged to 
undertake this necessary tribute of respect to the mem- 
ory of an eminent minister and faithful servant of God, 
as well as to yield to the wishes and solicitations of the 
Christian public. 

On the editor's return from the Continent, in the au- 
tumn of 1827, a renewal of the former proposition was 
made to him from a persuasion on the part of the family, 
that his long habits of confidential intercourse with Mr. 
Richmond, and their frequent participation in the same 
objects, might afford advantages which his friend Mr. 
Gauntlett did not possess in the same degree. The 
manner in which Mr. Gauntlett complied with the 
known wishes of the family, proves the disinterested and 
Christian spirit by which he was actuated; and indeed 
forms, in conjunction with the above urgent entreaty, the 
warrant and authority for the present undertaking. 



IV PREFACE. 

The editor further avails himself of this opportunity to 
avow his personal obligations to Mr. Gauntlett, for 
the various materials he has supplied, relative to the ear- 
lier part of Mr. Richmond's life and ministry, and for the 
general use he kindly allowed of the papers and documents 
which he had prepared. 

To the Rev. J. Fry, Rector of Emberton, the editor 
is indebted for correcting and revising the press, as well as 
for some judicious suggestions. 

He also begs to present his acknowledgments to the 
relatives, and numerous correspondents of Mr. Richmond, 
who have furnished him with so many interesting letters for 
insertion in the present Memoir. 

Circumstances over which he has had no control, have 
very much restricted him in the time necessary for complet- 
ing his undertaking. On these grounds he has to solicit 
the indulgence of the public. He cannot dismiss the work 
without expressing his earnest prayer that its perusal may 
be accompanied by the divine blessing; and that it may 
be made subservient to the increase of piety in our own 
Church, and to the general edification of the Church of 
Christ among all who read it. 



I 



PREFACE TO THE SECOND LONDON EDITION. 

The short period allotted to the editor for the execution of 
his undertaking, prevented that deliberate consideration, 
and careful revision, which was no less due to the subject 
itself, than to his own personal feelings. In the present 
edition he has endeavored to introduce a few improvements, 
by compressing some parts of the Memoir, and amplifying 
others. Grateful for the kind reception with which it has 
been honored, he once more commits it to the divine bless- 
ing; and if the perusal of these pages shall be found to 
elevate the standard of ministerial doctrine, faithfulness 
and zeal; and to promote the edification of the general 
reader, he wishes no better testimony to the memory of 
his deceased friend, nor a more gratifying remuneration for 
his own labors. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAP. I. 

Page 
Preliminary remarks — Birth of Legh Richmond — His 
ancestry f education; and incidents of early years — 
Promise of talent — Completion of his education at 
schooly , . . . , .9 

CHAP. n. 

Comprising the period from his entrance at the University^ 
till his marriage^ and acceptance of the curacy of 
Brading in the Isle of Wight ^ . . .13 

CHAP. in. 

His entrance on his professional duties — Remarhable 
change in his views and conduct y and the incident 
that occasioned it — Reflections on the foregoing evenly 21 

CHAP. IV. 

Developemeni of his character — Dedication of his time 
and thoughts to profitable objects — Fondness for the 
scenes of nature — Spiritual reflections upon them — 
Zeal in his ministerial duties — Letters and Diary — 
Remarks y , . . . .27 

CHAP. V. 

Relation of circumstances occurring during the period of 
the foregoing chapter, . . . .49 

CHAP. VI. 

His 7*emoval from the Isle of Wight — Temporary con- 
nexion with the Locke Hospital, in London, — and 
final settlement at Turvey, ., . .62 



VI CONTENTS. 



CHAP. VII. 



Pago 



Commencement of his ministerial labors at Turvey — 
Former state of the parish — Plans and exertions for 
its improvement — Judiciovs rides and regulations of 
his Friendly Society — Effect of his exertions — His 
'Fathers of the English Church'' — Doctrine and mode 
of preaching — Brief reflections on controversy , . 68 

CHAP. VIII. 

His talent for extempore preaching — Authority and ex- 
pediency of this mode considered — Family Letters — 
Coyhmencemcnt of the editor'^s acquaintance uith him 
— Public institutions — Vindication of their character ^ 
necessity, and usefulness^ . . .90 

CHAP. IX. 

His anniversary sermon for the Church Missionary 
Society — Meeting cd Bedford in behalf of the Jews, 
— Bedfordshire Bible Society — Tours for the Jewish 
and Church Missionary Societies — extracts from his 
Journals — success of these tours — Their influence on 
the general interests of religion — On his own personal 
improvement — On that of his parish and family , 123 

CHAP. X. 

Detection of an extraordinary imposture by Mr. Rich- 
mond — publication of his tracts — Rcvieiv of them — 
Their great popularity and extensive circulation, S^^c. 
— American editions — Remarks on the subject — Mr. 
Richmond'^s connexion with the Tract Society, . 166 

CHAP. XL 

His appointment as chaplain to the Duke of Ktni — 
Mrs. RichmojuVs illness — JS^eic school-room — Report 
of his son''s death — Embarrassmeid^ arising from his 
publication of ' The Faihtrs of the English Church'^ — 
Interview with the Emperor of Russia — Letters to and 



CONTENTS. Vn 

Page 
from his Imperial Majesty — Princess Metstchersky — 
Letters to Mrs. Liviiis — Verses written on the mar- 
riage of a friend'' s daughter y . . .185 

CHAP. XII. 

Letters — Poetry — Description of Lake scenery — Brief 
account of his first tour to Scotland — His sentiments 
on Oratorios — Tribute to the memory of his mother , 
Sfc. ...... 207 

CHAP. XIII. 

•A Tribute of affectionate veneration for the memory of a 
deceased Mother; — in a series of Letters to his Chil- 
dren, By the Rev. Legh Richmond. . .221 

CHAP. XIV. 

Letter, and verses — Extracts from Diary — Tours to 
Scotland — Tona — Letters; friendly , family, and pas- 
toral — Memoir of Miss Sinclair, . . . 248 

CHAP. XV. 

Death oj his infant — Marriage of his eldest daughter — 
Visit to the JVorth of Ireland — Texts on the walls of 
his church — Extract of a letter to his daughter F — . 
— Isle of Wight tour — Pastoral letter — Journal — 
His son Wilberforce''s illness and death — Reflections 
— Marriage of his daughter H — . — JVugent^s ship- 
wreck, and death — Letters — Apocryphal question — 
Mr. Richmond's opinion on the mode of preaching 
to the Jews — His sentiments on other subjects — Jour- 
ney to Cromer — Conversation with the editor — Medi- 
tation in his study , .... 275 

CHAP. XVI. 

Closing scene — Funeral — Remarks on his character, &;c. 328 



MEMOIRS. 



CHAPTER I. 

Preliminary Remarks— Birth of Legh Richmond— his ancestry; education; and 
incidents of early years— Promise of talent— Completion of his educatiqp at 
school. 

To record the excellencies of departed worth, and to en- 
deavor to perpetuate their remembrance, is a tribute no 
less due to the present than to succeeding generations. Bi- 
ography, indeed, has usually selected, as the subject of its 
memoirs, the lives of heroes and statesmen, in preference to 
the milder though more useful virtues of the pious and the 
good; because the passions and interests of men never fail 
to be excited by the achievements of war, and the disclos- 
ures of the cabinet. But in pleading the cause of religious 
biography, may we not urge the superior importance of its 
subject, and the hallowed tendency of its aim? Is the skill 
and discernment, employed in increasing the resources and 
glory of earthly kingdoms, to be compared with the divine 
science of saving immortal souls? Are the triumphs of the 
cause of God less real, because they are eternal? Are its 
victories less interesting, because their object is to contract 
the limits of death and sin, and to extend the empire of the 
Son of God? It is no small praise to the age in which we 
live, that religion begins at length to assume the pre-eminence 
which its high claims and heaven-born character demand. 
The drama of human life has long been characterized by 
portentous events; and reflecting minds seem disposed to 
recognize in the past convulsions of empires, as well as in the 
elements of discord that are silently preparing the way for 
new conflicts, that an Almighty hand intends to make these 
events subservient to the accomplishment of his purposes, and 
to the establishment of his kingdom. 

Among those who have contributed to the revival of relig- 
ion in the present day, the subject of the following memoir 
stands highly distinguished. His name has been too long 
2 



10 MEMOIRS OF THE 

associated with every exertion to promote the growth of 
piety, both at home and abroad, not to have excited a very 
general solicitude for whatever may illustrate the history and 
character of a man, who has so often delighted the public 
hy his eloquence, stimulated it by his zeal, and edified it by 
his example. It is to comply with this desire, as well as to 
fulfil the claims of a long and most confidential intercourse, 
that the present memoir is now presented. 

The Rev. Legh Richmond was descended from an ances- 
try highly respectable on the side of both his parents, each 
of whom was related to some of the principal families in the 
counties of Lancaster and Chester. His father, Dr. Henry 
Richmond, practised as a physician, first at Liverpool, and 
afterwards at Bath, where he resided for several years. 
His death occurred at Stockport, in Cheshire, in the year 
1806; of which place the Rev. Legh Richmond, grand- 
father to the subject of this memoir, was formerly rector. 

Dr. Henry Richmond was the fifth in lineal male descent 
from Oliver Richmond, Esq., of Ashton Keynes, in the county 
of Wilts, on which estate his ancestors had resided from the 
time of the Conquest. 

The mother of Mr. Richmond was the daughter of John 
Atherton, Esq., of Walton Hall, near Liverpool, and by the 
maternal side first cousin to Dr. Henry Richmond. 

As some additional account of the family appears in the 
progress of this work, recorded by his own pen, any farther 
statement in this place is superfluous. 

Legh Richmond was born at Liverpool, on January 29ih, 
1772. It was his privilege to have a most estimable mother, 
endued with a superior understanding, which had been cul- 
tivated and improved by an excellent education and subse- 
quent study. In addition to her natural talents and acquire- 
ments, she uniformly manifested a deep sense of the impor- 
tance of religion. 

This affectionate and conscientious parent anxiously in- 
structed him, from his infancy, in the Holy Scriptures, and 
in the principles of religion, according to the best of her abil- 
ity; a duty which was subsequently well repaid by her son, 
who became the happy and honored instrument of imparting 
to his beloved mother clearer and more enlarged views of 
divine truth than were generally prevalent during the last gen- 
eration. It seems highly probable that the seeds of piety 
were then sown, which in a future period, and under cir- 
cumstances of a providential nature, were destined to produce 
a rich and abundant harvest. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 11 

Ye that are mothers, and whose office it more peculiarly 
is to instil into the minds of your offspring an habitual rev- 
erence for God, and a knowledge of the truths of the Gospel; 
be earnest in your endeavors to fulfil the duties which Prov- 
idence has assigned to you, and which your tenderness, your 
affection, and the constant recurrence of favorable opportu- 
nities so admirably fit you to discharge. Consecrate them 
to God in early youth; and remember that the child of many 
prayers is in possession of a richer treasure than the heir 
of the amplest honors and the highest dignities; for the child 
of many prayers can never perish, so long as prayer is avail- 
ing. To faith all things are possible, and the promise stands 
firm, "I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing 
upon thine offspring," — Isa. xliv, 3. Pray then for them, and 
with them. There is an efficacy in the bended knee, in the 
outstretched hand, in the uplifted heart, in the accents of 
prayer issuing from the lips of a mother, supplicating God 
to bless her child, which faith may interpret for its encour- 
agement, and the future shall one day realize. There is 
also a solemnity in the act itself, peculiarly calculated to elicit 
all the best feelings of the heart, and to quicken it in the dil- 
igent use of the means most adapted, through divine mercy, 
to insure the blessing. 

Discouragements may arise — impressions that once excited 
hope may vanish — the fruit may not be apparent; yet, in 
after times, under circumstances of the most unpromising na- 
ture — amid scenes, perhaps, of folly, vice, and dissipation — 
or in the more sober moments of sickness and sorrow; the re- 
membrance of a praying mother may present itself with over- 
whelming emotions to the heart. The events of early days 
may rise up in quick succession before the mind, until the 
long-lost wanderer, recovered from his slumber of death and 
sin, may live to be a monument of the pardoning mercy of 
God, and his last accents be those of gratitude and praise for 
a pious mother. 

It was in the period of Legh Richmond's childhood, that 
the accident occurred which occasioned the lameness to which 
he was subject during the remainder of his life. In leaping 
from a wall, he fell with violence to the ground, and injured 
the left leg, so as to contract its growth, and impair its strength. 
It is a remarkable coincidence that somewhat of a similar 
occurrence befel one of his own sons, and was attended with 
precisely the same effects. It was in consequence of this 
accident, that Mr. Richmond received the rudiments of his 



12 MEMOIRS OF THE 

early education under the sole tuition of his father, who was 
an excellent classical scholar, and well acquainted with liter- 
ature in general. 

In addition to his proficiency in classical and other element- 
ary studies, he made considerable progress, during this pe- 
riod, in the science of music; a predilection for which, he 
retained to the end of his life. 

The activity of his mind soon began to develope itself. 
Some specimens of the productions of his early years have 
been preserved by the partiality of his friends; and as youth- 
ful talent generally delights to assume a poetic form, his 
first efforts were devoted to the Muses. 

We insert the following, which were written when he was 
twelve years of age. 

Before the earth and sea to man were given, 
Or stars were spotted o'er the crystal heaven; 
The face of nature was throughout the same — 
A rugged heap, and Chaos was its name; 
Nor any thing but piled up heaps were there, 
And earth and sea were mixed with fire and air: 
No radiant sun by day afiforded light, 
Nor waning Phoebe shone in midst of night: 
*• Nor earth self-poised in fluid air was placed, 

Or sea, with circling arms, the earth embraced. 

ON THE MORNING. 

Behold, the earth is clad in sober grey. 
And twinkling stars foretel the approach of day» 
The hare runs timid o'er the bladed grass. 
And early shepherds on the meadows pass. 
In splendid majesty the morning star 
Welcomes Aurora, in her rosy car. 
The lark, the early herald of the morn. 
Whose tender sides soft gentle plumes adorn, 
Flies from her nest above all human sight, 
And to the skies sublime she bends her flight. 
Her pleasing notes the ambient hills repeat. 
And day o'er half the world resumes its seat; 
The splendent sun's etherial light appears, 
And nature wipes away her dewy tears. — 

A few lines in imitation of Pope, may be considered as no 
unsuccessful illustration of the poet's rule. 

^ 'Tis not enough, no harshness gives ofience, 
The sound should seem an echo to the sense.'' — 
The line should soften when the bleat of sheep. 
And gentle zephyrs soothe to placid sleep; 
When din of rattling thunderbolts is heard, 
The roughest words to softer are preferred. 
When purling rivulets translucent glide, 
The liquid letters then should form a tide. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 13 

Within a labyrinth^ the line seems vext, 

Mazy, inextricable, and perplext, 

But when the rougher storms fierce rage on high, 

And heave the angry billows to the skyj 

When rattling rain comes hissing down in showers, 

And to the whirlpool in a torrent poursj 

The line should rage, and every letter move, 

As if great Jove was storming from above. 

In the year 1784, when Legh Richmond was in his thir- 
teenth year, he was consigned to the care of Mr. Breach of 
Reading, for the purpose of obtaining further assistance on 
account of his lameness, as well as to pursue the course of 
his education. He was subsequently removed to Blandford, 
in Dorsetshire, and placed under the tuition of the Rev. Mr. 
Jones, vicar of Loders, and curate of Blandford; and having 
made a very creditable proficiency in his studies, and com- 
pleted his education at school, he was finally sent, in the year 
1789, being then seventeen years of age, to the university at 
Cambridge. 



CHAPTER II. 

Comprising the period from his entrance at the University, to his marriage, and 
acceptance of the curacy of Brading in the Isle of Wight. 

Mr. Richmond was entered at Trinity College, Cambridge, 
in the month of August, 1789. The following particulars 
have been communicated in a letter from the Rev. A. J. 
Crespin, vicar of Renhold, Bedfordshire, a contemporary 
of his in the University, and with whom he formed an inti- 
mate friendship, which continued to the period of his death. 
"I perfectly well remember that our dear departed friend 
came to Cambridge for admission about Midsummer, in the 
year 1789. I was just one year his senior. It was then the 
custom at Trinity College, that one of the under graduates 
should take the candidate for admission to the dean, and to 
one or two others, and then to the master for examination. 
It fell to my lot to perform this office for Legh Richmond, 
and thus our friendship commenced. He came into residence, 
according to the usual plan, in the following October; we were 
both among the candidates for foundation scholarships, and 
after a public examination of two or three days, we were 
happy on finding our names among the successful candidates; 
and as we afterwards dined every day at the same table, the 
bands of our friendship were drawn still closer. # # * 
2* 



14 MEMOIRS OF THE 

'^I can with perfect truth affirm, that during the under- 
graduateship of Mr. Richmond, he applied himself closely to 
.his studies, and was considered and acknowledged by all, to 
be a young man of great abilities and correct conduct." 

A letter from the Rev. William Tate, chaplain of the 
Dock-yard, Portsmouth, and tutor of the Naval Academy, 
contains a further and more detailed account of Mr. Rich- 
mond's residence at college. 

'^Mr. Richmond and myself were of the same year at 
Cambridge, and had the same college tutor, the late Rev. 
Thomas Jones. We were not, however, in the same lecture 
room till within a year of our taking the degree of A. B.5 
hence, our intimacy did not commence till about the beginning 
of 1793. Mr. Richmond came to college with a high char- 
acter for his proficiency, both in classics and mathematics. In 
fact, I often heard him spoken of as likely to be one of the 
third or fourth highest wranglers. At the annual college ex- 
amination in May, he was each year in the first class, and 
consequently was a prize-man. I do not recollect that he 
ever was a candidate for a University prize; indeed I think 
that although he was an extremely good classic, he did not 
consider himself sufficiently practised in writing Greek or 
Latin verse, to venture a competition in this respect with the 
distinguished men from the great public schools. 

'•That he had a great fondness for social life is not to be 
wondered at, as he was so well informed on most subjects, 
and had such a fluency of language, that conversation with 
him never flagged, and his company was generally acceptable. 
He visited at the Lodge, Dr. Postlethwaite being then mas- 
ter, and was noticed by some of the senior fellows, in conse- 
quence, I presume, of their having been friends of his father, 
Dr. Richmond, who had himself been a fellow of the college, 
and whose name stands in the Tripos as having been the tenth 
senior optime, in January, 1764. 

'•Mr. Richmond's great recreation was music, in which I 
suppose you are aware he was eminently skilled. He always 
had a piano-forte in his room, and played on the organ also. 
To any tune he could, as he played, make an extempore 
thorough bass. His musical talents gave rise to a great inti- 
macy and friendship with the late Dr. Hague, the professor 
of music, and also with Dr. Jowett, then tutor of Trinity 
Hall, who used to have frequent musical parties at his apart- 
ments, at which I believe Mr. Richmond was generally pres- 
ent. He was at all times attentive to the studies of tbe Uni- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND, 15 

versity, and preserved, throughout, the character of a reading 
man. Mr. Copely (now the Lord Chancellor) had apartments 
directly under those of Mr. Richmond, and as they were 
both reading hard, they commonly, for some months before 
taking the degree of A. B., had coffee together after mid- 
night. He went through the public exercises of the schools, 
preparatory to his degree, with great credit, and was accord- 
ingly placed by the moderator in the first class. He did not, 
however, go into the senate-house to stand the final examina- 
tion, owing to ill-health. Dr. Butler, master of Harrow 
School, was the senior wrangler, and Mr. Copely the second; 
and I have a printed Tripos for 1794, now lying before me, 
at the bottom of which are the following words: — 

y-p , C Ds. Ashworth; Eman. } In Ima Qusestionistarum classe a mode- 
S ^ 'I Ds. Richmond; Trin. 5 ratoribus censebantur. 

"I believe our year was the last in which those who went 
out CEgrot, in the first class, were noticed in the Tripos. 
Ever since, the names of such graduates have been omitted 
in the list of honors; and the Cambridge, Calendar, in giving 
a list of honors for each year, has omitted the names of the 
OEgrot, in 1794, and all the preceding years, although they 
were actually printed in the original lists. Mr. Richmond 
was, for some years, collecting materials for a great work, 
which he intended to publish, on the theory as well as history 
of music. After taking his degree, he applied himself with 
great ardor to his favorite study, and took much pains to pro- 
vide materials for his intended musical publication, which he 
hoped might be ready for the press in the course of two or 
three years. I have frequently sat with him, while, for hours 
together, he was making experiments with his musical 
plates, of which he had a great number, some of glass and 
some of copper, of all the common regular forms; as circles, 
ellipses, squares, rhombuses, pentagons, &c. These he 
screwed down at a particular point, so as to be perfectly hor- 
izontal; and then, having sprinkled fine sand over the surface, 
the bow of a violin was drawn across the edge, so as to draw 
forth a musical note; and, by the vibration thus caused, the 
sand was shaken from the vibrating parts, and became col- 
lected in one line or more, formed by the quiescent points. It 
seemed very remarkable, that whenever that particular note 
which was the fundamental of any plate, was sounded by it, 
the sand invariably took the form of a cross, having its centre 
in the centre of the plate. All other notes which could be 



16 MEMOIRS OF THE 

sounded by the same plate, diverged from the fundamental 
note, according to a certain scale; and every one caused the 
sand to take a different form. Sometimes it seemed to take 
the figure of two opposite hyperbolas; but in vrhatever form it 
rested, the figures on the different sides of a straight line, 
drawn through the centre of the plate, were exactly the coun- 
terparts of each other. The lines formed by the quiescent 
points, in the vibrations of such plates, were calculated by 
Euler, as may be seen by the Transactions of the Imperial 
Society of Petersburgh (^Ada Petropolitana;) but the results 
are little satisfactory, being commonly expressed in hyperbolic 
forms, and not assuming a tangible shape. 

"About this time Mr. Richmond was member of a small 
club, formed by six or eight Trinity men, for the discussion of 
philosophical subjects. They met once a week, at each oth- 
er's rooms; and, to prevent expense in giving suppers, nothing 
more was to be provided than red-herrings, bread, cheese, and 
beer. Hence they called this society the "Red-herring Club." 
The respectability of the members appears from this circum- 
stance, that nearly every one obtained a fellowship. Mr. 
Richmond took a leading part at this time in another small 
society, which was named "The Harmonic Society." The 
members were musical amateurs, who, in turn, gave a concert 
every fortnight, at which, with the help of two or three hired 
musicians, they performed pieces out of Handel and other 
celebrated composers, together with catches, glees, 8vC. In 
1796 was published, by Mr. Dixon, a townsman of Cam- 
bridge, and one of the members of the Harmonic Society, a 
collection of glees and rounds, for three, four, and five voices, 
composed by the members of that society. In this publica- 
tion, out of seventeen pieces, seven were contributed by Mr. 
Richmond. 

"In 1796, Mr. Richmond began seriously to think of taking 
orders, and of marrying on a curacy. In that situation, he 
intended conscientiously to do his duty, though he had not the 
deep sense he afterwards entertained of the vast importance 
and responsibility of the charge he was about to under- 
take." 

The important period to which Mr. Tate alludes was now 
arrived, Avhen it became necessary that he should no longer 
delay his choice of a profession, — that choice, which exercises 
so powerful an influence over all the events and circumstances 
of future life, and in which our usefulness and moral respon- 
sibility are so deeply involved. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 17 

It was the wish and intention of Dr. Richmond that his 
son should direct his attention to the law, with the view of 
being called to the bar; but the predominant views of his mind, 
after taking his degree, will appear in the following letter: — 

Cambridge, Feb. 18, 1794. 

"My dear Father, — It has long been by wish to write to 
you on the subject which has occupied so much of my atten- 
tion of late; and on which, during the solemn interval of my 
confinement, I had more frequent opportunities of meditating 
than on any former occasion. I hope and trust that I have 
thought more seriously on this subject, and have pursued a 
more regular train of sound reasoning and self-examination on 
account of my illness, than if I had enjoyed an uninterrupted 
series of good health. The time is now arrived when, after 
having passed through the regular forms of an academic edu- 
cation, it is expected that a young man should select his pro- 
fession; and on the foundation (which he either has, or ought 
to have laid in the university) of sound learning and good 
morals, should begin to raise a superstructure of such mate- 
rials as may render him an ornament to his profession, and a 
satisfaction to his friends. 

'^I should here feel myself guilty of much ingratitude, or at 
least of much unpardonable neglect, if I did not, at this period 
of my life, return you my most sincere and unfeigned thanks 
for the repeated testimonies of affection and generosity, which 
I have experienced for upwards of two-and-twenty-years at 
your hands: more especially do I feel myself indebted to you, 
during the last four years, for placing me in a situation in 
which I have enjoyed numberless happy hours; have formed 
friendships and connexions, which are a source of honest pride 
and satisfaction; and have had an opportunity (which I hope 
I have not entirely thrown away) of making great proficiency 
in such studies and acquirements, as must and will be the chief 
basis of my future usefulness and happiness. If such be the 
obligations which I owe to your kindness, what must be my 
insensibility to every tie of affection, and to every principle of 
honorable feeling, were I deficient in my expressions of grat- 
itude to the benevolent author of so many blessings. Indeed, 
sir, I am neither ungrateful nor insensible. It has not been my 
custom, hitherto, to make long professions, nor to enter into 
a detail of my internal feelings; and, perhaps, owing to a 
deficiency of this kind, I may have suffered in your opinion, 
on some particular occasions, more than I deserved. It now 



18 MEMOIRS OF THE 

appears, therefore, to be the more advisable to unfold myself 
at large, observing, at the same time, that the chief faults 
and errors of which I hitherto have been, and of which I am 
still, I fear, too susceptible, have not arisen from any source 
of moral depravity, or innate viciousness; but from an evil, 
which I see much too prevalent among young men, and from 
the contagion of which I have not been entirely able to es- 
cape; I mean, the want of resolution to resist temptation, 
when it is opposed to their better convictions. A very mod- 
erate acquaintance with the younger part, at least, of man- 
kind, will convince any observer, that a certain degree of 
irresolution is by no means inconsistent with many better 
qualities, and often has its origin rather in the influence of 
external example, than in any real viciousness of the heart. 
But I can truly say that I am very desirous of becoming 
such as your most sanguine wishes could expect, and I look 
up to a superior Power for assistance not to violate these my 
resolutions. 

"It appears to me, that in reviewing the respective merits 
of the different professions, and in determining upon one of 
them, a very intimate self-examination is requisite, previous 
to the formation of any fixed resolution. It has been my en- 
deavor for five months past to pursue this difiScult undertak- 
ing; and I hope I have not failed in the attempt. The church 
and the law are the two subjects to which I have directed my 
attention. I have consulted my own inclinations, abilities, 
deficiencies, merits, and demerits, and examined them in as 
many points of view as I have been able, in order to determine 
which of those professions was the best calculated to promote 
my own happiness, and the welfare of others. My present 
^ determination is in favor of the former, principally from the 
following considerations. The sacred profession is in itself 
without doubt the most respectable and the most useful in 
which any man of principle and education can possibly be en- 
gaged. The benefits which it is the province of the clergy- 
man to bestow on his fellow-creatures are more widely dissem- 
inated, and are in themselves more intrinsically valuable, than 
those of every other profession or employment united together. 
To a conscientious mind, therefore, that line of life appears 
to be the most eligible, in which he may be enabled to do the 
most solid good to mankind. 

"One further argument with myself for preferring the church 
to the law is, that I have found, from four years' experience, 
a strong inclination to study several branches of literature, 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 19 

which are far more connected with the church than with the 
lawj as neither their nature nor the time requisite to be be- 
stowed upon them would allow the lawyer to exercise himself 
in them. What these are shall be the subject of future in- 
formation to you. At present, my desire of becoming a very 
good general scholar is so much stronger than that of becom- 
ing an EXTREMELY goodj particular one, that I am convinced 
I could not throw aside the hopes of pursuing my favorite 
views in that way, and dedicating myself solely to one, and 
that perhaps not the most inviting, without the utmost regret. 
Your affectionate son, Legh Richmond." 

In these views Dr. Richmond ultimately expressed his ac- 
quiescence, though his own wishes inclined him to recommend 
the choice of the bar; and thus was the profession of the 
church determined upon, for which he subsequently proved to 
be so singularly qualified, and in which his influence and ser- 
vices were so widely felt and acknowledged. 

He continued to reside at Cambridge till the end of the 
Midsummer term, in 1797, pursuing those studies which were 
more immediately connected with his future destination. 

The following letter, the last that he v/rote from college to 
his father, expresses his sentiments more fully on the subject of 
the ministry, and of his preparation for those duties, on which 
he was now on the eve of entering. It is dated June 30th, 
1797:— 

"My dear Father, — I take this opportunity of returning 
you my most hearty and sincere thanks for all your kindness 
to me during my stay at Cambridge, for nearly the last eight 
years. I look back on the time which I have there spent, 
with a considerable mixture of pain and pleasure. That I 
have done things which I ought not to have done, and neglected 
to do things which I ought to have done, is most true: yet 
have I added very considerably to my stock of literary infor- 
mation — have gained the good-will and approbation of many 
respectable and good men — have made acquaintances and 
friends of several literary and worthy characters — have ena- 
bled myself, I trust, by the improvement of my abilities, such 
as they are, hereafter to maintain myself. I have also had 
an opportunity of contemplating men, manners and morals to 
a very extensive degree; and finally, in an age of much infi- 
delity, and surrounded by many, whose principles savored 
strongly of irreligion, I have built up a fabric of confidence in, 



20 MEMOIPwS OF THE 

and love for, that holy religion of which I am now a professor. 
To this I ultimately look as my future guide through life^ and 
hope it will enable me to bear with fortitude those evils which 
may be in store for me; for who can expect exemption? In 
return for these advantages, I have to ofter you my gratitude, 
and my affection; and let what will hereafter become of me, 
bear in mind that it is not in the power of any thing human to 
lessen either the one or the other. I am now preparing to 
undertake what I cannot but consider as a most serious and 
weighty charge — the sole responsibility, as resident clergy- 
man, of two parishes. So far as information is required, I 
hope I have not labored in vain; so far as good resolution is 
concerned, I trust, I am not deficient: as regards my success 
and future conduct in this important calling, I pray God's 
assistance to enable me to do my duty, and to become a 
worthy member of the Established Church; a church founded 
on the purest and most exalted principles of unsophisticated 
Christianity, as delivered by its divine Author himself, and 
confirmed and explained by his inspired successors. The 
character of a fashionable parson is my aversion; that of an 
ignorant or careless one, I see with pity and contempt; that 
of a dissipated one with shame; and that of an unbelieving 
one with horror. I wish you to read a little book lately pub- 
lished, intitled, ^Dialogues «^ the Amusen^ts of Clergy- 
men.' You will be pleased with it, as will my mother also, I 
am certain. I am very busy preparing sermons for ray future 
flock. It requires much practice to write with fluency and 
ease. Believe me to be, with every sentiment of regard and 
aff*ection, — Your son, L. Richmond." 

''To Dr. Richmond, 
Grecian Coffee House, London.'^^ 

Mr. Richmond was ordained deacon in the month of June, 
1797, and took the degree of M. A., the beginning of July, 
in the same year. On the 2:2d of the same month, he was mar- 
ried to Mary, the only daughter of James William Chambers, 
Esq., of the city of Bath; immediately after which he pro- 
ceeded to the Isle of Wight, and entered upon the curacies of 
the adjoining parishes of Brading and Yaverland, on the 24th 
of July. He was ordained priest in February, 1798. 



REV, LEGH RICHMOND. 21 



CHAPTER III. 

His entrance on his professional duties— Remarkable change in his views and con- 
duct, and the incident that occasioned it— Reflections on the foregoing^vent. 

Mr. Richmond appears to have entered on the ministry with 
the desire and aim of discharging its important duties in a con- 
scientious manner; and he manifested such propriety of conduct 
in his moral deportment, and in the general duties of his new 
charge, as to procure for him the character of a highly respecta- 
ble and useful young clergyman. A few months, however, after 
his residence at Brading, a most important revolution took 
pJace in his views and sentiments, which produced a striking 
and prominent change in the manner and matter of his preach- 
ing, as well as in the general tenor and conduct of his life. 
This change was not a conversion from immorality to morality; 
for he was strictly moral, in the usual acceptation of the term. 
Neither was it a conversion from heterodoxy to orthodoxy; but 
it was a conversion from orthodoxy in name and profession, to 
orthodoxy in its spirit, tendency, and influence. But before 
we indulge in any further remarks, it is necessary to record 
the particulars of the occurrence to which we have alluded. 
Shortly after he had entered on his curacies, one of his col- 
lege friends was on the eve of taking holy orders, to whom a 
near relative had sent Mr. Wilberforce's "Practical View of 
Christianity." This thoughtless candidate for the momentous 
charge of the Christian ministry forwarded the book to Mr. 
Richmond, requesting him to give it a perusal, and to inform 
him what he must say respecting its contents. In compliance 
with this request, he began to read the book, and found him- 
self so deeply interested in its contents, that the volume was 
not laid down until the perusal of it was completed. The night 
was spent in reading, and reflecting upon the important truths 
contained in this valuable and impressive work. In the course 
of his employment, the soul of the reader was penetrated to its 
inmost recesses; and the effect produced in innumerable instan- 
ces, by the book of God, was in this case accomplished by means 
of a human composition. From that period his mind received 
a powerful impulse, and was no longer able to rest under its 
former impressions. A change was effected in his views of 
divine truth, as decided as it was influential. He was no 
longer satisfied with the creed of the speculatist — he felt 
a conviction of his own state as a guilty and condemned sin- 
ner, and under that conviction, he sought mercy at the cross 
of the Saviour. There arose in his mind a solemn conscious- 



] 



22 MEMOIRS OF THE 

ness that, however outwardly moral and apparently irreproach- 
able his conduct might appear to men; yet jcithiUj there was 
wanting that entire surrender of the heart that ascendancy of 
God in the soul, and that dcvotedness of life and conduct, 
which distinguishes morality from holiness — an assent to divine 
truth, from its cordial reception into the heart; and the exter- 
nal profession of religion, from its inward and transforming 
power. The impressions awakened were therefore followed 
by a transfer of his time, his talents, and his affections, to the 
service of his God and Saviour, and to the spiritual welfare of 
the flock committed to his care. But while his mind was 
undergoing this inward process, it is necessary to state how 
laborious he was in his search after truth. The Bible became 
the frequent and earnest subject of his examination, prayer, 
and meditation. His object was fontes haiirire sacros — 
to exj)lore truth at its fountain head, or, in the emphatic 
language of Scripture, to ''draw water out of the wells of 
salvation." — Isa. xii. 3. From the study of the Bible, he 
proceeded to a minute examination of the writings of the Re- 
formers, which, by a singular coincidence, came into his 
possession shortly after this period; and having from these 
various sources acquired increasing certainty as to the cor- 
rectness of his recent convictions, and stability in holding them, 
he found, what the sincere and conscientious inquirer will 
always find, the Truth; and his heart being interested, he 
learnt truth through the heart, and believed it, because he 
felt it. 

His own account of the effect produced on his mind by the 
perusal of Mr. Wilberforce's book, will excite the interest of 
the reader. Speaking of his son Wilberforce, he remarks: — 

"He was baptized by the name of Wilberforce, in conse- 
quence of my personal friendship with that individual, whose 
name long has been, and ever will be, allied to all that is able, 
amiable, and truly Christian. That gentleman had already 
accepted the office of sponsor to one of my daughters; but the 
subsequent birth of this boy, afforded me the additional satisfac- 
tion of more familiarly associating his name with that of my 
family. But it was not the tie of ordinary friendship, nor the 
veneration which, in common with multitudes, I felt for the 
name of Wilberforce, which induced me to give that name to 
my child: there had, for many years past, subsisted a tie 
between myself and that much-loved friend, of a higher and 
more sacred character than any other which earth can afford. 
I feel it to be a debt of gratitude, which I owe to God and to 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 23 

man, to take this affecting opportunity of stating, that to the 
unsought and unexpected introduction of Mr. Wilberforce'sbook 
on ^Practical Christianity,' I owe, through God's mercy, the 
first sacred impression which I ever received, as to the spiritual 
nature of the Gospel system, the vital character of personal 
religion, the corruption of the human heart, and the way of 
salvation by Jesus Christ. As a young minister, recently 
ordained, and just entrusted with the charge of two parishes 
in the Isle of Wight, I had commenced my labors too much 
in the spirit of the world, and founded my public instructions 
on the erroneous notions which prevailed amongst my academi- 
cal and literary associates. The scriptural principles stated 
in the ^Practical View,' convinced me of my error; led me to 
the study of the Scriptures with an earnestness to which I had 
hitherto been a stranger; humbled my heart, and brought me 
to seek the love and blessing of that Saviour, who alone can 
afford a peace which the world cannot give. Through the 
study of this book, I was induced to examine the writings of 
the British and Foreign Reformers. I saw the coincidence 
of their doctrines with those of the Scriptures, and those which 
the word of God taught me to be essential to the welfare of 
myself and my flock. I know too well what has passed within 
my heart, for now a long period of time, not to feel and to 
confess, that to this incident I was indebted, originally, for 
those solid views of Christianity, on which I rest my hope for 
time and eternity. May I not^ then^ call the honored author 
of that book my spiritual father? And if my spiritual father, 
therefore my best earthly friend? The wish to connect his 
name with my own, was natural and justifiable. It was a 
lasting memorial of the most important transaction of my life: 
it still lives amidst the tenderness of present emotions, as a 
signal of endearment and gratitude; and I trust its character 
is imperishable." 

Though Mr. Richmond's mind and heart were experiencing 
the remarkable change that has been recorded, it is necessary 
to state that the regularity and decorum with which he was 
previously discharging his duties, far exceeded those of many 
other ministers. If then, notwithstanding these exertions, he 
was still conscious how much he fell short of the standard of 
ministerial faithfulness and zeal, and the requirements of per- 
sonal holiness; may we not ask, what ought to be the convic- 
tions of those who evince a far less degree of earnestness, 
where the claims are precisely the same, and the obligations 
to fulfil them are equally binding? If he felt the need within, 



i 



24 MEMOIRS OF THE 

of a more operative principle of divine gTace, as the only 
genuine source of inward and external holiness; what must be 
their state who, with greater deficiencies, experience no conflict 
of the mind, no secret misgivings of the conscience ? If, in his 
ardent inquiry after truth, he meditated over the sacred page, 
and explored the voluminous writings of the Reformers; what 
is their responsibility who rest in a system, without an endea- 
vor to ascertain its correctness; who give to the world the 
hours sacred to prayer and study; or who appropriate their 
time to objects, which, however praiseworthy in themselves, 
are not sufficiently identified with their profession, nor calcula- 
ted to promote their advancement in grace and holiness? 

But we would pursue this object farther, and demand, if 
conversion, or a change of heart and life, be necessary in all 
men, because all naturally partake of the principles of inward 
corruption, how much more is it necessary to him who officiates 
in holy things; and who, by the titles that designate his 
character and office, is supposed to contract engagements of the 
highest and most sacred import? 

And yet the very nature and necessity of conversion is 
questioned by some, in opposition to the most express declara- 
tions of Holy Writ;* thus proving their own need, at least, 
of that conversion, the possibility of which they so heedlessly 
dispute. A distinguished and excellent prelate, in our own 
day,t has merited well of the Christian public, for inviting 
attention to this subject. In the diocese of St. David's, a 
prize was offered for the best Essay on the signs of conversion 
and unconversian in ministers of the Established Church. J 

This was at once recognizing the doctrine, as well as the 
necessity of conversion. It drew the line of demarcation 
between true piety, and that which bears only the external 
garb. It admitted the conversion of some, it doubted the con- 
version of all; and, by instituting an inquiry into the signs and 
evidences by which the distinction is to be known, it held out 
a beacon to discriminate the true and faithful pastor from the 
bold and unauthorised intruder. Let it be remembered too, 
that this doctrine is avowedly maintained, and the belief and 
experience of its truth no less avowedly professed, by every 
candidate, in the form and ceremony prescribed by our own 
church for ordination — that on this occasion he is solemnly 
asked, whether he trusts that he is inwardly moved by the 

* See Matt, xviii, Sj John iii. 5^ Acts iii. 19; Eph. iv. 24. 

t The present Bishop of SaHsbury, formerly Bishop of St. David^S. 

I See Wilks's Prize Essay on the above subject. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 25 

Holy Ghost, to take upon himself the sacred office ? To which 
he deliberately answers, "I trust so." And that, if terms be 
significant of things, and professions mean what they are sup- 
posed to imply, this call of the Holy Spirit denotes a series of 
qualifications, of which the real conversion of the heart is the 
primary and most indispensable. It is on the authority of this 
declaration, and the supposed sincerity of its avowal, that he 
is permitted to officiate at her altars, and that the dispensa- 
tion of the Gospel is (j^ommitted to his hands; and therefore, 
the absence of this qualification is not merely a fraud, and an 
act of perjury, aggravated by the solemnity of the occasion, 
and by the bold profanation of holy things, but a crime of a 
still higher magnitude. Souls are betrayed, for every one of 
which he must render an account to Him who has authori- 
tatively proclaimed, ''their blood will I require at thine hand." 
Another very important lesson to be learnt from the prece- 
ding narative, is the necessity of discriminating morality from 
religion. The principal error in Mr. Richmond's former views, 
consisted in this, viz. that they were deficient in the grand 
characteristic features of the Gospel. Not that he actually 
denied a single doctrine which the Gospel inculcates; but his 
conceptions were far from being definite, clear, and compre- 
hensive. They wanted the elevation and spirituality of the 
Christian system. They were founded more on the standard 
of morality, than on the principles of the Gospel; and there- 
fore were defective as it respects the motive and end of ail 
human actions, the two essential properties that constitute an 
action acceptable in the sight of a holy God. A Heathen 
may be moral, a Christian must be more; for though true 
religion will always comprise morality, yet morality may exist 
without religion. There was a confusion also in his notion of 
faith and works, and of the respective offices and design of the 
law and of the Gospel. The Saviour was not sufficiently 
exalted, nor the sinner humbled; and there was wanting the 
baptism of 'Hhe Holy Ghost and of fire. '^^ — Matt. iii. 11. 
His sermons, partaking of the same character, were dis- 
tinguished indeed by solidity of remark, force of expression, 
strong appeal to the conscience, and a real and commendable 
zeal for the interests of morality; but they went no further. 
As regarded the great end of the Christian ministry — the 
conversion of immortal souls — they were powerless; for moral 
sermons can produce nothing but moral effects; and it is the 

Gospel alone that is '^mighty through God to the pulling 

3# 



26 MEMOIRS OF THE 

doivn of the strong holds of sin; and bringing into captivity 
every thought to the obedience of Christ.'*^ — 2 Cor. x, 4, 5. 

There was, indeed, an external reformation produced among 
his people; but the renovation of the heart, the communion of 
the soul with God, the inward joy and peace of the Gospel, 
and the hope full of life and of immortality — these were not 
experienced and felt, because they were not known: and they 
were not known, because they were not preached: and they 
were not preached, because they were not adequately under- 
stood by the preacher. And is there no ground for apprehen- 
sion that the same deficiency still exists amongst us to a con- 
siderable extent? Are the peculiar doctrines of Christianity 
commonly brought forward with sufficient clearness, fidelity, 
and zeal? Are the corruption and lost state of man, the mercy 
of God in Christ, the necessity of a living faith in the Saviour, 
the office of the Holy Spirit in his enlightening, converting, and 
sanctifying influences* — are these grand themes of the Chris- 
tian ministry urged with the prominence that their incalculable 
importance demands? Deficiencies in points like these are 
serious impediments to the growth of true religion, and cannot 
be too sedulously reproved by those who are the constituted 
guardians of sound doctrine. For with the mere moralist, 
the grandeur of the Christian dispensation — the divine love so 
conspicuous in the whole of its stupendous plan — the beauty, 
order, and symmetry of its several parts, are all reduced to 
the rank and level of a secondary and subordinate scheme. 
Christ is not the centre of the system, but rather occupies the 
extreme point; and is brought in as a last expedient to cover 
the nakedness and insufficiency of our own works. The 
moralist, according to his own creed, does all that he can a,nd 
then — looks to his Redeemer to perform the rest. On tlie 
other hand, where the moralist ends, the believer begins. 
With him, every work is begun, continued, and ended in God. 
He draws from above every motive for his obedience, every 
promise for his encouragement, and strength to subdue all his 
corruptions. Christ is the sun that illuminates his moral hori- 
zon, the living water to refresh his thirst, the heavenly manna 
by which he is fed, the first and the last, the beginning and 
the end, the Alpha and Omega, the ^'all and in all." — Col. 
iii. 11. He is the Prophet, by whose wisdom he is taught; 
the Priest, by whose sacrifice he is pardoned; the King, by 
whose authority he is swayed; and the Shepherd, on whose 

* See. Dr. Owen's celebrated Work ^'On the Holy Spirit/^ and Doddridge's 
'^Seven Sermons on Regeneration/' for an able elucidation of this subject. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 27 

tender care he reposes all his wants. What then is the 
remedy for the defects to which we have alluded, and for the 
fatal consequences resulting from them? — The knowledge of 
the Gospel; and the full, free, and faithful declaration of its 
truths. There must be its tidings on the lips, its grace in the 
heart, and its holiness in the life of the preacher. Such was 
the case in the instance of Mr. Richmond, after the change 
above recorded; and crowded auditories, an inquiring people, 
and numerous conversions were the happy result. And such 
will ever be the case where the Gospel is faithfully preached. 
The same causes will always produce the same effects. The 
blind will receive their sight, and the lame walk, and the deaf 
hear, and the spiritually dead be raised up to life eternal. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Developement of his character— Dedication of his time and thoughts to profitable 
objects— Fondness of the scenes of nature — Spiritual reflections upon them— Zeal 
in his ministerial duties— Letters and Diary— Remarks. 

In the preceding chapter, we have recorded the remarkable 
change of which Mr. Richmond was the subject, and explained 
its nature and character. We shall now proceed to illustrate 
it by its effects, which form the best evidence of its existence, 
and one of the strongest arguments for its necessity. With 
this view, we shall consider its operation and influence on the 
qualities of his mind and heart — on his ministerial habits — his 
epistolary correspondence — and in the more solemn and im- 
pressive exposure of the inward recesses of his soul. 

In our intercourse with men, we meet with an almost 
endless diversity of character; and he who studies human 
nature is apt to classify those who are the subject of his con- 
templation, according to their respective shades and grada- 
tions. But how painful is the discovery, when we see persons 
endowed with the finer qualifications of the mind, and the most 
interesting sensibilities of the heart, wasting on unprofitable 
objects the powers which, if rightly directed, might render their 
possessor the instrument of extensive usefulness and good. 
We seem to behold a beautiful and imposing structure, but it 
is not occupied by the rightful ownei*. The lord of the man- 
sion is absent, and a stranger has usurped his place. We 
turn with disappointment from the contemplation; nor can we 
withhold the prayer that ere long the fatal illusion may cease, 
and the chain of the captive be broken. 



28 MEMOIRS OF THE 

In Mr. Richmond, every qualification became consecrated 
to religion. His imagination, taste, affections, and endow- 
ments received an impulse which directed all their energies to 
the glory of God, and to useful and profitable purposes. 

To illustrate what we have said, we subjoin the following 
passage from one of his popular tracts, which, while it shews 
his powers for descriptive scenery, proves at the same time 
how much his admiration of the scenes of nature was made 
the occasion of elevating the heart to God. 

^'It was not unfrequently my custom, when my mind was 
filled with any interesting subject for meditation, to seek some 
spot where the beauties of natural prospect might help to form 
pleasing and useful associations. 

''South-eastward, I saw the open ocean, bounded only by 
the horizon. The sun shone, and gilded the waves with a 
glittering light, that sparkled in the most brilliant manner. 
. . . On the north, the sea appeared like a noble river, 
varying from three to seven miles in breadth, between the 
banks of the opposite coast, and those of the island which 1 
inhabited.^ Immediately underneath me, was a fine woody 
district of country, diversified by many pleasing objects. Dis- 
tant towns were visible on the opposite shore. Numbers of 
ships occupied the sheltered station which this northern chan- 
nel afforded them. The eye roamed with delight over an 
expanse of near and remote beauties, which alternately caught 
the observation, and which harmonised together, and produced 
a scene of peculiar interest." 

The reflections awakened by these scenes are thus express- 
ed:— 

"How much of the natural beauties of Paradise still remain 
in the world, although its spiritual character has been so 
awfully defaced by sin! But when divine grace renews the 
heart of the fallen sinner. Paradise is regained, and much of 
its beauty restored to the soul. As this prospect is com- 
pounded of hill and dale, land and sea, woods and plains, all 
sweetly blended together, and relieving each other in the 
landscape: so do the gracious dispositions, wrought in the soul, 
produce a beauty and harmony of scene, to which it was 
before a stranger." 

We insert one more brief reflection. 

"What do they not lose, who are strangers to serious 
meditation on the wonders and beauties of created nature! 
How gloriously the God of creation shines in his works ! Not 

* The Isle of Wight. 



REV. LEGH RIOHMOND. 29 

a tree, nor leaf, nor flower; not a bird, nor insect^ but pro- 
claims in glowing language, 'God made me.' " 

In his parochial engagements, we find him fulfilling all the 
duties of an active and zealous parish priest. The important 
and essential doctrines of the Gospel were now made the 
powerful and affecting themes of his public addresses. As we 
shall have occasion hereafter to enter into a more minute 
detail of the subject and manner of his preaching, it is suffi- 
cient in this place to observe, that man's fallen and ruined 
state, and his deliverance and redemption bj Jesus Christ, 
formed the grand outline of his discourses; and if the degree 
in which the truth is preached be best estimated by its effects, 
he could appeal to unquestionable evidences of his faithfulness; 
for God blessed his testimony, and numerous converts were 
the seals of his ministry. In addition to the usual and ap- 
pointed duties of the Sabbath, he visited his flock, and went 
from house to house, taking care not to make these opportuni- 
ties the mere occasion of friendly and condescending inter- 
course, but the means of real improvement, and spiritual 
edification. The children of Brading were also the objects of 
his tender solicitude. They were in the habit of repairing to 
him every Saturday for the purpose of religious instruction; 
and his memoir of "Little Jane" records one of the happy 
results of these youthful m.eetings. 

Within the parish of Brading was situated the hamlet of 
Bembridge, at the distance of about two miles. To this 
place Mr. Richmond went once in every week to expound 
the Scriptures, and to meet those who, through age and 
infirmity or other causes, were unable to attend the parish 
church. A chapel of ease has since been erected, and con- 
secrated in the summer of 1827. He had likewise the care 
of the parish of Yaverland; and as the scenes of his early 
piety and zeal cannot but be interesting to his numerous 
friends, and the following description presents them vividly 
to the imagination, we insert it in his own words: — 

"I had the spiritual charge of another parish, adjoining to 
that in which I resided. It was a small district, and had 
but few inhabitants. The church was pleasantly situated on 
a rising bank, at the foot of a considerable hill. It was 
surrounded by trees, and had a rural, retired appearance. 
Close to the church-yard stood a large old mansion, which 
had formerly been the residence of an opulent and titled fam- 
ily; but it had long since been appropriated to the use of 
the estate, as a farm house. Its outward aspect bore con- 



30 MEMOIRS OF THE 

siderable remains of ancient grandeur, and gave a pleasing 
character to the spot of ground on which the church stood. 
In every direction the roads that led to this house of God 
possessed distinct but interesting features. One of them as- 
cended between several rural cottages from the sea shore, 
which adjoined the lower part of the village street. Another 
winded round the curved sides of an adjacent hill, and was 
adorned, both above and below, with numerous sheep, feeding 
on the herbage of the down. A third road led to the church 
by a gently-rising approach, between high banks, covered 
with young trees, bushes, ivy, hedge-plants, and wild flowers. 

"From a point of land which commanded a view of all 
these several avenues, I used sometimes for a while to watch 
my congregation gradually assembling together at the hour 
of Sabbath worship. They were in some directions visible 
for a considerable distance. Gratifying associations of 
thought would form in my mind, as I contemplated their ap- 
proach and successive arrival within the precincts of the house 
of prayer." 

His reflections on these occasions are thus interestingly ex- 
pressed: — 

"How many immortal souls are now gathering together to 
perform the all-important work of prayer and praise — to hear 
the word of God — to feed upon the bread of life! They are 
leaving their respective dwellings, and will soon be united to- 
gether in the house of prayer. How beautifully does this 
represent the eflect produced by the voice of Hhe good Shep- 
herd, calling his sheep from every part of the wilderness into 
his fold! As these fields, hills, and lanes are now cov- 
ered with men, women, and children, in various directions, 
drawing nearer to each other, and to the object of their jour- 
ney's end; even so 'many shall come from the east and from 
the west, and from the north and from the south, and shall sit 
down in the kingdom of God.' " 

In the year 1801, he formed a society at Brading, which 
proved an occasion of much benefit; the rules and regula- 
tions being peculiarly calculated to promote order, sobriety 
and religion. This society met every Wednesday evening, 
and he himself assumed the office of director.^ The members 

* The following regulation will afford a general idea of the character 
and object of this society: 

''The society will meet every Wednesday evenings when the director will 
attend for the purpose of explaining the holy Scriptures, the Liturgy of the 
Church of England, and other such godly books as he may think useful and 



RET. LEGH RICHMOND. 31 

of whom it was composed were such as had derived advantage 
from his ministry, and were sincerely desirous of advancing in 
knowledge and true holiness. A copy of the first address 
delivered to them, has been found among his papers, from 
which we extract the concluding passage: — 

"In a word, my dear friends, I consider you all as deeply 
sensible that the care of the soul is the one thing needful, 
which if you neglect you will perish; but which, if you re- 
gard with an humble, devout, and sincere heart, God will 
receive and acknowledge you among the number of his chil- 
dren. I hope more will join themselves to our society, who 
are in this mind and persuasion. It shall be my care to do 
all in my power to cherish and support you in all virtue and 
godliness of living; to comfort you in affliction, to clear up 
your doubts, to reprove your faults, encourage your good res- 
olutions, and to be, by God's help, a spiritual pastor among 
you, to lead you through the pilgrimage of this life, to the en- 
joyment of the glories of Paradise. 

"All that I now ask, and beseech of you is, that you will 
be in earnest in your present professions, and strive with 
heart and soul to persevere in that good road, wherein I trust 
you now are going. And remember how sad will be the lot 
of those who, having put their hand to the plough, look back 
again, and are no longer fit for the kingdom of heaven. Be 
strong then in the Lord, and may his grace preserve you in 
your good resolutions, and bring you to the full knowledge of 
the excellency of Jesus Christ, and give you the greatest of 
all blessings, forgiveness of sins in this world, and life ever- 
lasting in the world to come. Ever be it, blessed Lord, now 
and evermore." 

To the soldiers that were occasionally quartered in that 
part of the country, he was made highly useful by his preach- 
ing. The history of one of these men is remarkable. It is 
related at length in the "Christian Observer," for the year 
1802, (p. 772.) Being too long for insertion here, we give 
the substance of it as follows: 

"A young soldier introduced himself to Mr. Richmond, in 
company with one of his comrades, begging to know if he 

profitable for the instruction and edification of the members^ giving them such 
friendl}" and Christian exhortation and counsel as each or all of them may 
require^ answering- any questions which they may wish to propose, respect- 
ing the meaning and design of the word of God, and their own conduct and 
religious progress in general 5 and joining in prayer with them to Almighty 
God for a blessing upon themselves, their families, their neighbors, their 
country, and the whole Church of God, wherever dispersed in the world." 



32 MEMOIRS OF THE 

would kindly purchase from him a few clergyman's bands, 
and some manuscript sermons. Being asked by what means 
they came into his possession, he stated, with much embar- 
rassment, that his history was wholly unknown to his compan- 
ion in arms, but that being thus urged, he would recount 
the painful circumstances of his past life. He proceeded to 
declare that he was the son of a clergyman in Wales — 
that he had been regularly ordained, and officiated during 

three years on a curacy in the county of W ; that 

disorderly habits, and debts, incurred without the possibility 
of discharo-ins: them, had brouofht him at leno'th to ruin and 
disgrace; and that, to avoid imprisonment, he had been in- 
duced to enlist as a common soldier — that he had served in 
the last campaign in Holland, and was then about to pro- 
ceed with the army on the expedition to Alexandria, under 
Sir James Abercrombie. He added, that it was to furnish 
himself with a few necessaries, that he was led to offer the 
articles in question for sale. Mr. Richmond having ascer- 
tained as far as possible, the correctness of his story, pur- 
chased them; and afterwards held a very long conversation 
*vith him, on the awful consequences of his past life, and his 
unfaithfuhiess to the solemn and sacred engagement he had 
formerly contracted. The soldier deemed to be more abash- 
ed by the disclosure of his history, than impressed with the 
consciousness of his guilt, and the admonitions that he re- 
ceived. In June, 1802, the comrade who had originally 
accompanied him, oace more called on Mr. Richmond, and 
stated that he was just returned from Egypt, and that the 
young man, in whose welfare he had taken so lively an inter- 
est, had fallen in battle, and died a true penitent — that on 
the evening preceding the engagement of the 21st March, 
he had been seized with the presentiment that he should not 
survive the event of the following day; and had commissioned 
him, (the bearer,) should he be spared to return, to inform 
Mr. Richmond, that the counsel he had so faithfully given 
to him, though it had failed at the time to impress him as it 
ought to have done, had ultimately sunk deep into his con- 
science, and produced all the effects that he could have wished; 
Hell our dear pastor,' continued he, Hhat I owe him more 
than worlds can repay; he first opened my heart to convic- 
tion, and God has blessed it to repentance. Through the 
unspeakable mercies of Christ, I can die with comfort.' The 
event that he had prognosticated was fulfilled; and it was 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 33 

discovered that poor Mr. E- lost his life by a cannon 

ball at an early period in the action." 

It is in the Isle of Wight that the scene is laid of those 
popular tracts, composed by Mr. Richmond, the reputation of 
which is now so widely diffused in all parts of the world. 

His "Dairyman's Daughter" resided at Arreton, a village 
six miles distant from Brading, where he was in the habit 
of occasionally visiting her, by particular request, during 
her last illness. Her name was Walbridge; and who that 
has read her history, can repress the emotions that such 
unaffected piety and sanctified affliction are calculated to 
awaken? 

His "Negro Servant" lived in the family of an officer in 
the neighborhood. His "Young Cottager" was one of his 
Sunday-school children, at Brading, and the first fruits of his 
ministry in that parish. As we shall have occasion to allude 
to these publications in another part of the memoir, we shall 
restrict ourselves to this brief allusion to incidents in the re- 
lation of which the author has excited so much interest; and 
in which the charms of style and beautiful representations of 
nature are blended with the faithful narrative of facts, and 
the whole made subservient to the advancement of the cause 
of scriptural truth. 

Having described him as thus engaged in his ministerial du- 
ties, we shall here introduce a letter addressed to his friend, 

the Rev. Mr. T , expressive of his views and sentiments, 

within the period just mentioned. 

"My reading in divinity has been considerable since we 
last parted. The more I attend to the sacred writings, and 
to the sentiments of the most pious and unprejudiced authors, 
the more deeply sensible do I feel of the unspeakable impor- 
tance of religious attainments, both in knowledge, faith, and 
practice. I am, at the same time, unavoidably led to see 
how verijy very deficiently the Christian scheme is apprehend- 
ed by the great body of the laity, and preached in many of 
our pulpits. The force of that admirable charge of Bishop 
Horsley, 1791, is strongly impressed upon my mind, and 
fully confirms these sentiments,^ which a diligent perusal of 
the Bible of the primitive Fathers, and of the Reformers had 
previously excited. 

* Bishop Horsley had asserted, in the above charg;c, that there was a 
grievous departure, at that period, from the sound doctrines of the Reforma- 
tion. See also a similar charge, published about the same time, by the Bishop 
of Durham. 



34 MEMOIRS OF THE 

^^It is curious to see with what undisguised simplicity and 
plainness, noanv of the doctrines which are now reprobated as 
enthusiastical, methodistical, and puritanical, are, in one and 
all of these old writers, asserted and maintained. The plain 
literal sense of our Ciuirch Articles, are by them made the 
foinidafion of every discourse, and of every scriptural expo- 
sition: and iiraci'ical faith in the Holy Trinity is the first, 
the middle, and the last end, object, and aim of all they said, 
all they wrote, and all they thought. It may be answered, 
that modern divines admit the tnith of these things also; but 
if they do, they explain the doctrines almost entirely away, 
and what is principally to be lamented, they do not make 
them the ground of their sermons. It is nevertheless, a very 
gratifying circumstance that so many clergymen and laymen 
Lave of late adopted an opposite way of preaching and think- 
ing. As my valuable friend and correspondent Mr. 

says in a late letter to me — 'however thinly, comparatively 
speaking, they are sprinkled over the bosom of the Church, 
yet I trust that the maintainers of the good old principles of 
the Reformation are daily gaining ground; and that at this 
time sound doctrine is oftener preached in many of our parish 
Churches, than has been the case since the days of Archbishop 
Laud.'" 

In the year 1801, Mr. Richmond was invited to preach 
the annual Sermon in the Abbey Church at Bath, on the 
subject of cruelty to the bnite creation, in conformity with the 
will of the Rev. H^nry Brindley. It is to this circumstance 
that the following letter alludes. 

Bradhig, March 26, ISOl. 

"My dearest Mother, — "It gives me real and unspeak- 
able gratification that any thing you observe in m.e should 
give you the pleasure you describe; yet I fear you overrate 
me. Daily do I become more and more sensible of my own 
deficiencies; and when I hear myself praised, my failings and 
corruptions seem to be magnified in the mirror of conscience 
and conviction. I do feel an earnest and solemn wish to be 
a real Christian minister of the gospel of Christ; but it is 
indeed a character too exalted for my expectations of attain- 
insf, and unutterable is the responsibility attached to it. To 
be a Christian at all, in the scriptural sense, is a business 
of unwearied attention, watchfulness and labor; but to be a 
teacher, an example, a shepherd to the fleck, requires tenfold 
circumspection. May God make me what he wishes, in 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 35 

order to form that character; and may no self-sufficiency, 
carelessness, or presumption, ever lead me to false security, 
neglect of duty, or inactivity; — to all of which we are so prone 
by nature. In exact proportion as we struggle to rise above 
our natural propensities. General Satan (as good Dr. Har- 
rington calls him,) endeavors not only to stop our progress, but 
to turn our very improvement into danger and a snare, by ex- 
citing pride and self-satisfaction at what we have been enabled 
to do. I have no objection to hearing that my preaching ex- 
cited attention at Bath (though I ought to avoid every thing 
likely to awaken vanity,) because I am convinced that it is 
not so much for any thing in me, individually speaking, as 
in the scriptural truths which, by God's grace, I invaria- 
bly endeavor to advance and expound, that approbation was 
manifested. I claim no praise, but that of being in earnest; 
and when I open the counsel of God to a congregation, I 
hope I feel anxious for the welfare of my hearers, and really 
desirous that they should, for their own sakes, ^mark, learn, 
hear, and inwardly digest, the Holy Scriptures,' when ex- 
plained according to the principles of sound orthodoxy, and 
evangelical truth. And, thus considering sound truth as the 
mattery and pastoral anxiety as the manner of my preaching, 
I hope to steer clear of any personal vanity, or silly presump- 
tion, in the arts of human eloquence, either written or or- 
atorical. I have no wish to be a popular preacher in any 
sense but one, viz., as a preacher to the hearts of the people. 

"What you tell me respecting my father's inability to do 
more for me than he does, I firmly believe; and can con- 
scientiously assure you, that I am too grateful for what is 
done, to complain that more is not done. I cannot suffi- 
ciently express my sensations of thankfulness for the uninter- 
rupted kindness which I have ever received from you both. 
I wish your latter years may receive eVery consolation from 
my conduct, which duty and affection can afford you. God 
forbid I should ever strike out of my system of divinity that 
nearly central part of the decalogue, ^honor thy father and 
mother.' I look forward with great pleasure to your prom- 
ised visit, which I must, and hereby do, bespeak to be a long 
one. I will do every thing to make you comfortable; and 
have a snug room and bed quite ready for you, and a son's 
welcome." 

" To Mrs, Richmond, Bennet Street, Bath.^'' 



36 MEMOIRS OF THE 

His sermon on the above occasion was published at the 
request of the congregation, which circumstance will explain 
the letter that follows. 

Brading, March 22, 1802. 

^^Mj clearest Mother, — The vanity of authorship is prover- 
bial, and yet I would fain hope that if I am vain, it is not a 
vanity of vanities, but a reasonable rejoicing on Christian 
grounds. As I think you will feel an interest in the subject, 
I will detail a correspondence, which has taken place between 
your son and Sir Ricliard Hill since the publication of the 
sermon on cruelty to animals." 

Copy of a letter to Sir Richard Hill, Bart: — 

Eroding, March 13, 1802. 

"Sir, — Although an entire stranger to your person, yet 
I am not to your character. 1 therefore take the liberty, 
without further apology, of inclosing you a tract, which I have 
lately been requested to publish, on a subject which, from the 
laudable part you took in the debate on the Bull-baiting Bill, 
three winters ago, I believe you to have sincerely at heart. 
Your known benevolence of disposition, regard for the in- 
struction of the poor, and earnest zeal in the cause of relig- 
ion, preclude my apologizing for sending you a copy on so 
coarse a paper, not having one of the finer ones in the house. 

"Believe me with great respect and esteem, 

"Your very obedient servant, L. Richmond. 

Sir Richard Hill, in reply, to the Rev. L. Richmond: — 

a-D A n Q- March,\Z,im,, 

"Rev. and Dear Sir, V 

"It would not be easy for me to express the pleasure I 
have received from the perusal of your most excellent discourse 
on Gen. i. 26. The evangelical, as well as judicious and 
striking manner in which you have handled the subject, must 
forcibly recommend it to every friend of true religion and good 
order; and the practical part, being all along enforced on 
Gospel principles, will, I doubt not, make its way and pre- 
vail, where the most earnest exhortations, from lower motives, 
would be ineffectual. I shall very soon furnish myself with 
a number of copies, printed on each sort of paper. For the 
coarseness of yours, no apology was needful 5 a large sum of 



HEV. LEGH RICHMOND. 37 

money is not less acceptable or useful, whether conveyed in 
a silken or worsted purse. I am happy to inform you that the 
bill to prevent the savage practice of bull-baiting will be 
brought forward again in the course of a few days, and I 
hope there is no doubt of its success: — the last bill was lost, 
merely by it friends fancying themselves so secure, that they 
did not attend to its progress through the House. I will in- 
close in two covers my published letter to Mr. Windham, 
on his opposition to the bill to prevent bull-baiting, as it is 
probable you may not have seen it; and subscribe myself with 
great truth. Rev. and dear Sir, 

'^Your most faithful servant, Richard Hill,' 

We insert a short extract of a letter addressed to the Rev. 
Mr. T. It is dated Bath, March, 1801. 

"I wish I could give you any adequate idea of the exalted 
pleasure I have found from being introduced into a circle of 
religious, accomplished, and rational people here, with Mrs. 
H. M. at their head. I think I have received more solid 
practical knowledge and advantage from the conversations I 
have almost daily had with different individuals of this respect- 
able party, than from any intercourse I ever enjoyed in my life. 
I have had the satisfaction of drawing very extensive atten- 
tion in the pulpit to what I trust are statements of sound 
doctrine. The acceptance they have met with, also proves 
what may be done where the pure truth is preached without 
disguise, without quaintness, without affectation, and with- 
out fear." 

The following letter was written about the same time, to 
his sister, on her marriage : — 

"Forgive me, my beloved sister, if I express myself with 
more than customary anxiety, in now writing, to you; related 
as I am by the nearest ties of kindred, and by the still 
closer bonds of love and tender friendship. T feel a lively in- 
terest in all which concerns you; and should be more than 
commonly happy, if a brother's prayer, and a brother's ad- 
monition, should prove in any way conducive to the welfare and 
advancement of a much-loved sister. 

"I am desirous of seeing and knowing that you will shine 
in the united characters of wife, mother, mistress, friend and 
Christian. I feel truly and unequivocally anxious that you 
#4 



38 MEMOIRS OF THE 

should not, even in appearance, sink into the mere accomplish- 
ed and elegant woman. I wish you to set a right estimate 
upon that far more accomplished, and infinitely more useful 
character, which exists chiefly within the walls of your own 
house. Every thing depends on your first outset. By the 
model which you frame for your conduct this very year^ will 
prohably be regulated all your subsequent character and con- 
duct, in every future station and relation of life. 

"You well know the affection, and I trust will not despise 
the judgment and sentiments of him who speaks thus candidly 
and frankly to you. I am well persuaded that a young wo- 
man, to be truly respectable, must dare to be laudably singular. 
There always will be a certain description of persons in every 
place, who will wonder that you can exist without passing your 
time as they do; but amongst those whose esteem and opinion 
alone ought to regulate your own feelings and conduct, the 
more retired and seldom-to-be-seen wife, whose theatre of real 
action and real pleasure is within her own house, in the fulfil- 
ment of sober, useful, and exemplary duties, will ever be most 
beloved, most respected, and most befriended. 

"By way of immediate occupation of your time and thoughts, 
allow me to direct them to the relief and benefit of the poor; 
not by idle gratuities, but by diligently seeking them out, in- 
forming yourself of their wants and distresses, and economizing 
in superfluities, in order that thereby the poor may abound in 
needfuls, and you may abound in their blessings. Be syste- 
matically charitable, both to their souls and bodies. Promote 
plans for instruction; assist in superintending them; employ 
yourself in making clothes for them; and rest not till you have 
made it a settled and uniform part of your character, to be 
actively, constantly, and watchfully charitable. 

"Let me beg of you to buy the new edition of Hannah 
More's works, and invariably read them once a year, partic- 
ularly her 'Strictures on Education.' Let me recommend, 
with the united earnestness of a brother and clergyman, that 
you will read religious books, and sometimes allow me to be 
your adviser. Be scrupulously attentive to the observance of 
the sabbath, both in public and in private, both at church and 
at home; and in all your pleasures, all your pains, all your em- 
ployments, prospects, plans, and engagements, remember that 
the use of this life is to prepare for a better; and that 'straight 
is the gate, and narrow is the way that leads to eternal life, 
and few there be that find it.' Read your Bible, with prayer. 



REV, LEGH RICHMOND. 39 

daily, under the impression of this awful truth: and may God 
remember you, my dearest sister, amongst those whom he es- 
pecially loveth; and his grace render you, what I wish you 
may always prove to be, a valued wife, a tender mother, an 
estimable friend, and a devoted Christian. — Your affectionate 
brother, L. Richmond." 

We now proceed io unfold the more secret recesses of his 
heart, as developed in a diary, commencing January, 1804, 
and continued to August of the same year. It is much to be 
lamented, that it seems never to have been regularly resumed, 
and that there are only occasional and interrupted documents 
of this kind found among his papers. A diary, in its spiritual 
use and character, is a record of the soul's state of feeling, in 
reference to the all-seeing eye of God; and therefore must 
necessarily be supposed to be the genuine expression of all its 
inward movements, to the exclusion of every thing that, by any 
possibility, can be supposed to be deceptive or assumed. In this 
sense, it is one of the most solemn acts of intercourse that can 
subsist between the soul and its God. It is the exposure of every 
thought — the confession of every infirmity — the prostration of 
the soul before a pure and holy Being, in all the depths of self- 
abasement; and directed to these important ends, it is like 
antedating the judicial investigation and sentence of the 
last great day of the Lord. Good men have differed as to the 
expediency and necessity of this act ; but the difference prob- 
ably, will be found less to regard the principle itself, than the 
mode of its execution. Duly improved, it may be a powerful 
check and faithful monitor to every thought, word and deed; 
and though a divine power alone can restrain the passions of 
the heart, and restore it in its v/anderings, yet subordinate 
means, in dependence on this power, are still available, and 
maybe blest in their use; as the river is composed of tributary 
streams and rills, and yet all finally direct their course to the 
same wide and expansive ocean. 

Leaving, therefore, the decision of this question to each 
man's judgment and conscience, we now lay before the read- 
er the following extracts from the diary to which we have al- 
luded. 

''Jan. 1. A new year is begun, but where is the new 
heart, and the right spirit? O, weakness and wickedness! 
Preached from Rom. xi, 28, 29; and Job xvi, 22. Felt much 

satisfaction, after the morning service, from J and his 

wife proposing to become members of my society. He shed 



40 MEMOIRS OF THE 

tears of penitence and joy. May God work all for good. In 
the afternoon, felt something of the fear of man; but found, as 
I proceeded, more freedom. O Lord, save me from fear of 
censure, and love of praise! Went in the evening to my soci- 
ety at Arreton: few, but meek, humble, and hopeful. Ano- 
ther member proposed, an infirm old widow. 

'' Jan. 3. Uneasy at not having completed another part of 
the review of Daubeny."^ I am very deficient in steady, per- 
severing diligence. Let me think much of this, and learn to 
set a right value on time. Oh! how precious ought every 
hour to bp, when each may be the last. Thought much of 
Cowper's description of preaching: (Task Book ii.) God im- 
press it on my heart. B. is buried to-day; how dreadfully un- 
prepared to meet his God! How far am 1 responsible.^ Alas! 
how great is the burden of the pastor! Lord, give me grace 
to see it, and feel it more and more, and enable me to bear it 
with a good conscience. I have been delighted, and I hope 
profited, by Biddulph's funeral sermon on Mr. Drewitt; oh! 
that I were like him! I now wonder that I had not more 
correspondence with that holy man, I shall ever think with 
pleasure of my introduction to him. God bring us together at 
the last. I trust my resolutions gain strength. O God, in 
thy mercy strengthen me! May my thoughts now close with 
blessed Drewitt, and sink to peacefulness with a blessing on 
the meditation. 

'^Jan. 4. Received the Christian Observer; my fourth let- 
ter on Kipling there ;| surely it is conclusive, yet what will not 
prejudice distort.^ Preserve me, O my God! in the wiles of 
controversy, from the neglect of practical religion within. It 
is not Calvin, nor Arminius, nor Cranmer, but Christy who is 
the Saviour, and his name only be adored. 

^'Jan. 6. A beautiful frosty morning. Teach me, O 
Lord! from the beauties of nature, to learn the beauties of 
grace. Every returning morning reminds me what a mercy 
it is I am still alive; and have space and time given me to re- 
pent and believe. Take my heart, O God! into thy keeping, 
and then it will be safe. If it be thy good pleasure to rescue 
me from temporal perplexity, let my gratitude appear; if not, 

*He here alludes to his review of Daubeny's Vindiciae Ecclesiae Angli- 
eancie, oi" which wc shall have occasion to speak in a subsequent part. It 
was inserted in the "Christian Observer.'' 

t This is another review in which he was engaged. It was pubhshed in 
the " Christian Observer'' for 1804; under the signatui'es of Academicus, §ind 
a Curate of the South. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 41 

let it be ground for submission and patient resignation. 
With thecj I cannot do ill; without thee, I cannot do well. 
Heard Nugent's morning prayers. May he learn early the 
lesson, which I for so many years neglected, and now perform 
so unworthily. Prayer is the breath of faith. 

''Jan, 7. Surprised by a letter from Hannah More, to in- 
vite me to succeed Mr. Drewitt, at Cheddar, or to recom- 
mend a curate. Oh, I am unworthy, could it be brought 
about. Yet what a field to act upon. Lead me, O God, to 
that which is right. Shall I make any overtures to remove 
there or not? It has filled me with mingled contemplation 
and solicitude. Is it a call from God, or ought I rather to do 
his work here? Direct my heart, O God, from doubts and 
wanderings, into thy paths. 

" Jan 8, Sunday. Snow and sleet. How cold are my 
affections! like this season. Warm my heart, O Lord! till it 
burn with the fiames of devotion. Compose my thoughts into 
holy meditation, and let not the events of the day destroy them. 

" Preached on the Epiphany, and on Christ among the 
doctors in the temple. 

"My heart heavy in reflecting how unworthy I am to think 
ever of succeeding Mr. Drewitt: to be placed in such a parish, 
with such neighbors and friends as that country would afford, 

might be an unspeakable benefit to me, and my dear M ; 

but I hardly dare think of it. Lord direct me for the best. 
I am a poor, weak, irresolute, sinful creature; without thee, I 
can do nothing. 

"Jan, 10. What an awful idea is eternity am I prepared 
to encounter it? ' Oh, spare me a little, that I may recover 
my strength before I go hence, and be no more seen!' Settle 
my opinions steadfastly, and above all, my affections on thy- 
self, O Lord! Have mercy on the dear children whom thou 
hast given me, and may I give them back unto thee in Jesus 
Christ, their and my Saviour. I fear I have not taught N. 
all I ought, and of which he is capable. Let me lay this to 
heart, and recommend him to God in prayer. 

''Much perplexed what to say to Mrs. More. Surely if 
vanity wanted food, it is here — to be solicited by a Hannah 
More to supply the place of a Drewitt! But a sense of un- 
worthiness, thank God, represses emotions like these. 

" — 11. Much indisposed by a very severe cold; but 
alas! how much more sick in the inner man. I have nearly 
finished this month's portion for the 'Christian Observer.' 



42 MEMOIRS OF THE 

May I grow daily more diligent, pious, and wise unto salva- 
tion, through God's blessing on my studies. 

^' — 13. Better in body: I thank thee, O God; but there 
is much in my mind that wants healing. Oh! thou Redeemer 
of souls, and physician of hearts, purchase me entirely to thy- 
self, and heal my diseases. I have sent off my packet to the 
Christian Observer. The world fights against me, the flesh 
within me, and Satan both within and without. How shall 
I conquer, but in Christ Jesus? Help me to prepare, O 
Lord, for the service of thy sanctuary; and direct me to such 
thoughts and words as shall edify my hearers, and reach my 
own heart to a good purpose. 

''Jan. 14. One fortnight more, and I shall be thirty-two ia 
years by nature, but how old in grace ? Sloth, detested sloth, 
how does it injure my advancement! Would to God I might 
now break all bonds, and fly in heart and soul to the possession 
of my God. There are moments when all heaven seems 
open before me; and others, when I tremble over the pit of 
sorrows. 

'^ — 15. The Sabbath is ended. I preached on the rea- 
son why Christ delivered his doctrine in parables; Matt. xiii. 
10, 11. At Yaverland, read the Homily on the time and 
place of prayer. Went to Arreton; my excellent though 
humble friend, J. W. was there. I pray God I might sit at 
his feet in the kingdom of heaven: I know no other such 
Christian here. Would to God I were like him. I found 
much comfort with ray society. Returned in thunder, light- 
ning, and rain. Thought of death and of judgment. Oh, 
awful meditation! Let me examine my heart on its faith, hope, 
and love. Help me, O God! to pray; and so may thy bless- 
ing rest on me and mine. 

" — 16. Another week and another mercy. ^Oh, teach 
me to number my days, that I may apply my heart unto wis- 
dom.' Why am I alive? Why have I space to repent, when 
so many are cut ofl*? Who makes me to difter, either in out- 
ward or inward circumstances? Oh, my Lord, and my God! 
to thee I owe every thing; yea, myself also. Let me then 
speedily pay the debt. 

'^What method shall I take to cure my spiritual slothfiil- 
ness ? There must be a struggle and agony — heaven must 
be taken with violence. 

^^Day after day elapses. — Oh, time! oh, eternity!" In spite 
of sorrows, calms and relaxations sometimes steal on me. Let 
me not deceive myself with a false peace. Sometimes I am 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 43 

tempted to doubt whether I am a real Christian. O teach 
me, my God, to answer this question with a right conscience. 

''Jan, 17. I feel much uneasiness at not making more 
progress in the right way. The unfruitful tree shall be cut 
down and burned. Have mercy on me, and all my family, 
according to thy goodness, O Lord! Help me to form a right 
judgment, bind my affections to the truth, and so let my life 
shew it forth. Often, as my birth-day approached, have I 
made resolutions of a new life; but there has always been an 
enemy within and without, to prevail against me. 

^'Much pleased with Dr. Jackson, on the Catholic church, 
— a curious and beautiful mean between Arminianism and high 
Calvinism. Giye me a firm and resolute heart, O God! even 
such an one as thou wilt accept. 

"Wrote to* Hannah More, dubiously. Lord, direct me to 
choose for the best. 

''Jan. 18. This day, with thy blessing, I shall go to feed 
my sheep at Bembridge. Grant me to do so with a faithful 
and a single heart. I always look upon that society as a 
humble ground for hope that the Lord means to do good through 
me; yet how often do I perform that duty with slothfulness. 
Give me, O God, more will, and strength, and grace, and 
power, and blessing, and success; and teach me to judge (if it 
so please thee) by the state of my people, of my own. Pro- 
vide Cheddar with a successor to Drewitt, after thine own 
heart; and increase the number of true pastors, and of true 
sheep in thy pasture. 

" — 19. How vain are all attempts to find peace in aught 
but the Gospel! How the world steals upon the mind, and 
usurps the throne of God. ' Video meliora proboqiiCy deieri- 
ora sequor.^^ Make me more discrete and considerate in the 
management of my property. Let justice and generosity be 
equally and forcibly remembered. I find my prayers languid 
and lukewarm to-day. Why is this? The fault must lie within. 
" — 20. Little Mary in a very high fever; Nugent begin- 
ning to have one. Teach me so to bear these trials, that 
they may be truly profitable unto me. 

"24. Let me impress on my mind the value of time, and 
resolve and act accordingly. Let me often reflect on my 
wife's and children's souls, as well as my own; and never 
forget the spiritual welfare of my flock. 

"Mary excessively weak, — Nugent worse. Keep my heart, 
O God! or I shall soon be overwhelmed. Grant me thy 
blessing, O God! 

^ I s<% and approve the better but follow the worse. — A. Ed. 



44 MEMOIRS OF THE 

"Jan. 25. Letter from Mr. Wilberforce. How beauti- 
ful a sight is riches united with godliness. Yet who that has 
the latter is not truly possessed of the former. If the weather 
should permit my going to Bembridge, prosper my endeavor 
among the people, O Lord! and may their prosperity be mine. 
" — 27. An affecting letter from my mother to my wife, 
exhorting to fortitude and patience, in case it should please 
God to take our sweet little Mary to himself. May we find 
it to be for our good, which ever way the righteous God shall 
ordain. Let me reflect much on this matter, and be thou with 
me, O my God! in all my prayers and supplications. 

" — 29. The Lord's sabbath, and my birth-day. O al- 
mighty God! sanctify this day to my heart: herein and hence- 
forth may I rest from sin, and spiritual sorrow, except that 
sorrow which worketh repentance unto salvation. 

"I have preached on the parable, Matt, xx, 1 ; and from 
Eph. i, 7, on redemption. 

"Had some interesting conversation with J. W. and E. C. 
Went to Arreton, — Comfort and peace. My child rather 
better. God bless us all, and make us to know what means 
peace with thee. 

"The barometer rose an inch and a half in twenty-four 
hours. 

''Jan. 30. The risings and fallings of the barometer, and 
the consequent changes of weather, remind me of the risings 
and fallings of my own spirit. This day some friends are 
coming to keep my birth-day: when will friends of another 
kind celebrate my birth-day into the life of glory? Ten pounds 
from Mr. Wilberforce for the poor. Holy man! would I re- 
sembled thee. 

" — 31. May God strengthen me to keep my birth-day res- 
olutions; I am very weak and unstable. 

"A momentary fit of anger, which, blessed be God, I im- 
mediately tranquillized, and sought present reconciliation. Let 
the fear of God^s anger ever make me afraid of my own. 

Feb. 1. I am studying the Augsburg Confession on Justi- 
fication. It appears decisive against Daubeny. Oh! for a 
full application of the doctrine to my own soul. 

"Met my society at Bembridge. The occasion profitable. 
Returned in a storm. May these meetings prove a solid and 
permanent advantage to all, and to me. 

" — 2. When I reflect on my unfruitfulness, I tremble. 
Hours, days, weeks, years roll on, and still so much is to be 
done. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 45 

^^I have looked into the controversy between Daubeny and 
Overton. Faults on both sides. But there is a controversy 
between me and my God, where the fault is all on one side. 
Who shall judge between us? O Christ! be my advocate, 
yea, my surety, and I shall not fear thee, when thou shalt 
appear as my judge. 

Feb. 7. Much ado about nothing, and little done about 
the great thing. Oh, let thy mercy be shown to me, by en- 
abling me to show mercy to myself! When I think of what I 
have been, what I am, what I shall be, — the idea fills me 
with hopeful fear, and fearful hope. Let me think of my ser- 
mons, my soul, my family, my relations, my friends, my par- 
ish, my Saviour, and my God; and thus close my meditation 
to-night with prayer. 

" — 9. Dreamed a dream, full of confusion and danger; 
useful hints may be drawn rationally from dreams, so far as 
they may be considered as resulting from the state and frame 
of the body, and the inward customary state of the mind. 
Dreams are for the most part the uninterrupted thoughts of 
the soul in sleep. Oh, my God! may my waking thoughts 
and my sleeping imaginations all become full of thee! 

'^ — 10. I find a strong inclination to false fancy, as if 
some change in my worldly state and residence were to bring 
about a correspondent one in my spiritual condition. Satan 
struggles together with the flesh, to keep up the dangerous 
phantom. Art thou not here, O my God! and is not mine 
ofiice here? and has not my soul help sufficient? Oh, yes! give 
me strength to resist this, and to seek thee here and now. 
Oh! let me watch as well as pray, lest I enter into temp- 
tation. 

Feb, 11. This day there is to be an eclipse of the sun. 
What a beautiful emblem of those eclipses of the soul, which 
sometimes hide the face of God from the sons of earth. Oh, 
revive me with thy presence, my God! even thy effectual and 
abiding presence. I have been meditating on the parable of 
the good Samaritan, in a spiritual application, with a view of 
preaching on it. May both its literal and mystical sense 
shine forth in me. 

^'To-morrow is thy day, O God of Hosts! may I sanctify 
it, and may my words be blessed to the hearts of my hearers. 
Enable me to speak /ro?n the heart to tlie heart. 

^< — 15. Ash- Wednesday. Is this truly so to me? Do I 
mourn in dust und ashes for my sins ? I want the spirit of mor- 
tification and self-denial. Enable me to preach to my people 
5 



46 MEMOIRS OF THE 

without fear of man, and with the love of God in my own 
heart. 

^'Oh, my God! guide^ direct, sanctify and bless me, and 
all mine and all thine. 

" — 16. irJow weak, frail, and inconstant a creature is 
man; and of men, mvs3lf most deplorably so. Sometimes my 
desires and resolutions run mountains high; and then I grow 
faint, and the stream of my affections is muddied and thick. 
Let me think of my children and my household, and of their 
spiritual welfare; and not cleave in heart to any one tempta- 
tion thrown in my way by the world. 

"The organ proposal negatived. I feel the benefit of a 
momentary disappointment; it is physic to the soul. How 
every thing tends to convince me of the folly and wickedness 
of seeking comfort in the creature. O blessed Creator! when 
shall I be thine in spirit and in truth.'* 

^'Feh. 17. Harassed with foolish thoughts. I grow more 
and more ashamed of myself, that such things can lay hold of 
my heart, and that I should have such deadness towards 
heaven. ^O earth, earth, earth! hear the word of the Lord.' 

"I have been to Bembridge, and read Burder's poetical 
abridgment of the Pilgrim's Progress, with profit and delight 
to us all. How much more am I in my element, among my 
little flock, than scheming in the world. Drank tea at John 
Wheler's; his cottage is God's palace. 

" — 20. Let me reflect on the fleetness of time, and on 
the uncertainty of my life. Drewitt was taken away just at 
my age — the hand of death may be close: oh, what folly to 
imagine it at a distance! May I then die daily. 

"Received religious books to the value of 15/. from Mr. 
Thornton, to distribute in my parish. God be thanked for 
such friends to me and mine. 

^^Feb. 21. I have strangely neglected the review. I 
pray God to give me strength to go on with it, and to think 
and write to his glory. My inward and bosom sin preys sadly 
upon me. I beseech thee, O my God! to make me a new 
creature; in that respect most especially, give me a new 
heart and a right spirit. 

" — 24. How soon the best plans degenerate into formality, 
and how often Satan transforms himself into an angel of light. 
What a fight, race, and struggle, the Christian warfare is! 
May I so fight, run, and strive, that I may obtain. 

" — 26. A serene fine morning is an emblem o^ rest — rest 
from storms and rain; how ought I to seek an earnest within 




REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 47 

of that ^rest which remaineth for the people of God.' In all 
my ministrations this day — in the sanctuary, the house, the 
closet, may all be to thee, and for thee, and by thee. I feel 
my own deficiencies daily more and more; O God! may I feel 
them till I lose them. 

" — 27. I every day feel more the truth of the doctrine, 
that the flesh and spirit strive contrarywise against each 
other. Excuses, apologies, procrastinations, delays, all pro- 
ceed from this. 

" — 29. I perceive too much compliance with worldly 
company and conversation; oh, my soul, if I give way to this, 
my usefulness will be much diminished. Let me often remem- 
ber that I renounced the world at baptism. 

''March 4. The sabbath is over. I preached on the 
strong man armed; and from 1 Cor. i. 23, introducing a 
homily. 

'^I wish my children could smg the praises of God: may 
their learning music have this end and aim, both in themselves 
and me. 

" — 6. Like the Israelites of old, I find myself wandering 
in the wilderness of sin. Yet O my God ! if thou art my 
guide and light, by day and night, all will be well. 

ic — 7^ The beauty of such a morning as this should be an 
emblem of the life of God in my soul. What is mere animal 
life without this? Oh I break my rebellious spirit, and bring 
the inner man into true subjection to thee. 

" — 10. I am meditating a sermon, on drawing water 
from the wells of salvation. Let me ever keep it in faithful 
remembrance, that I preach to my own heart first, and then 
to my people's. I have been arranging the different texts 
which describe Gospel graces and promises, under the em- 
blem of water. I must be more and more urgent in drawing 
from the fountain of God's word. 

'' — 12. One day nearer death and eternity. Lift up my 
heart, O God ! in earnest prayer for real blessings. Let me 
be more desirous of graces than gifts, and yet remember, 
that both are from thee. 

''March 16. A thick fog this morning. Is this the only 
fog? On looking over my diary, I see much to lament. What 
a map of frailty! O, my Redeemer, how shall I estimate the 
infinite value of that blood of thine, which was shed for sin. 
What are my time, reading, learning, memory, situation, 
influence, authority, money, and other various abilities, of mind 
and body, but so many talents lent me by God, of which I 



48 MEMOIRS OF THE 

must speedily render an account? Have I any talents for the 
ministry? Do I use tliem as not abusing them? Are they with 
a single eye and heart consecrated to the honor of God? 

" — 17. I plainly perceive that the Lord has permitted me 
to suffer a dereliction, as a just punishment for too much 
carelessness; but O! my Lord Jesus, let me see the light of 
thy countenance. Fix my roving wishes and nail them to thy 
cross; and oh! let me remember that no flower can blow in 
Paradise, which is not transplanted from Gethsemane; no 
one can taste of the fruit of the tree of life, that has not 
tasted of the fruits of the tree of Calvary. 

" — 18. A day of rest. Rest thou, O my soul! from 
vanity and the world. Fix thyself on the cross, and there 
muse and contemplate, till thou art filled with the theme. 

" — 24. I purpose to preach five evening lectures next 
week, on the progress, nature, and extent of Christ sufferings. 
May the subject animate my soul, and through grace give life 
to my weak faith. 

'^ — Lord dead! and thus end all hopes of preferment 

(as it is called) from that quarter. How absurd to build on 
man! Wherever the Lord designs me to do good, he will keep 
or place me; and in him all is right, and as it should be. 

^^Mar, 2. How many unforeseen events crowd upon my 
attention; what a strange busy scene is this, and how it 
strives to steal the heart from God! 

" — 27. I feel much dissatisfied with myself. Lord, what 
am I, that thou shouldst so regard me? A worm a vile worm 
of the dust. I am to preach to-night a lecture on Christ's 
sufferings. What do I suffer for him? 

<i — 30. Good-Friday. I bless God that my first act has • 
been weeping for thy sorrows, O my Saviour!" 

It is impossible to pursue the foregoing extracts without a 
deep conviction of the sincerity and earnestness of the writer. 
The heart seems to be unfolded before us, stripped of the 
illusions of self-love, which are so apt to mingle in the estimate 
that we form of ourselves; and conscience is armed with all 
the authority of a judge, and pronounces its impartial verdict. 

We see in his internal conflicts the struggles between the 
two opposing principles, "the flesh and the spirit:" the striv- 
ings of inward corruption, and the aspirations of the soul 
towards God. The feelings of every renewed heart will 
harmonise with this description; though the accurate observer 
will not fail to remark, that the full triumphs of faith and hope 



EEV. LEGH RICHMOND. 49 

were yet wanting, and that stability, which time and experi- 
ence are necessary to bestow: for though the principle which 
renewed the heart is marked throughout by circumstances which 
ascertain its reality, its effects and influences are always pro- 
gressive. The reader who is less familiar with these things, 
may here learn a most instructive lesson. He may not 
comprehend the doctrine of conversion, — he may know 
nothing of the conflicts of the soul, — nothing of the two prin- 
ciples within, alternately striving for the mastery, — nothing of 
that jealousy over the heart, and that deep conviction of its 
depravity, expressed in the Diary of Mr. Richmond. Let 
him then examine the fact here presented to his notice; he 
sees a man undergoing a visible and remarkable change in his 
views and conduct, and his principles and affections directed 
to high and holy objects, — the reality of the principle attested 
by the reality of its effects, and inward grace illustrated by 
outward holiness. Let him remember, that the conversion, 
so strikingly exhibited in the case of Mr. Richmond, is no less 
needed by himself; — that it is indispensable to his admission 
into the abodes of peace and glory; and that if heaven be a 
prepared place for a prepared people, and a fitness for its 
enjoyments be essential to their possession, there must be a 
knowledge of this principle, an inward experience of its power, 
and an outward evidence of its existence in the life, before he 
can have a well-grounded assurance of a happy immortality; 
for the spirit of heavenly inspiration has recorded, in charac- 
ters, never to be obliterated, '^except ye be converted, ye 
shall in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven." 



CHAPTER V. 

Relation of circumstances occurring during the period of the foregoing chapter. 

The plan of the preceding chapter having restricted us to 
the illustration of a particular principle and its effects, we 
now proceed to notice what occurred within the period that 
has just been traversed. We have already alluded to the 
sermon preached by Mr. Richmond at Bath, ^On cruelty to 
the brute creation,' and to the publication of that discourse, at 
the request of the congregation. As the attention of the 
legislature has of late years been often directed to this subject, 
we think the following extract will not be deemed altogether 
without interest. 

5* 



50 MEMOIRS OF THE 

"This dominion over the creatures was given to Adam, 
whilst the likeness of God shone forth in him; consequently 
it was a merciful dominion. It was a sovereignty designed to 
be exercised with every possible kindness of treatment, which 
the grateful and benevolent temper of man, in his state of 
primitive righteousness, could suggest. Hence we are enabled 
to deduce the right of the inferior creatures to kindness of 
treatment, from a most satisfactory and unerring source of 
argument, no less than an explicit revelation of God's will, 
coeval with the foundation of the world itself. The merciful 
design of God in making man the lord of the creation, is 
mercifully manifest; for such was the holiness of man's heart, 
such the purity of his affections before the fall, that every 
creature subjected to his rule was assured of being happy. 
The intention of God, whose loving kindness is over all his 
works, \vas fully accomplished by appointing man, such as he 
was whilst in Paradise, to be the intermediate instrument of 
his goodness towards them. Made in the express image of an 
holy and merciful God, Adam, like his Maker, was holy and 
merciful too." 

We might here have noticed another sermon, published by 
him two or three years prior to this period, entitled, 'Reflec- 
tions suggested by the close of the year,' which passed into a 
fourth edition. It abounds with impressive remarks and strong 
appeals to the young and to the old, on the shortness and un- 
certainty of human life; but his religious views not having 
then attained the maturity and correctness by which they were 
afterwards characterised, we forbear making any extracts 
from it. 

The religion of Mr. Richmond, though it engaged his most 
earnest and anxious thoughts, had no tinge of gloom or aus- 
terity. He was at all times cheerful; and the following letter, 
addressed to his aunt about this period, inclosing his profile, 
is an instance of that playfulness of humor in which he was 
often accustomed to indulge. 

''Brading, Feb. 10, 1803. 
"My dearest Aunt, — Being unwilling to trust mere pen and 
paper to make excuse for my long silence, I have sent a rep- 
resentative to do it for me; humbly conceiving that a shadoio 
of an apology would be best made by a shadow of a man. 
Now, my dear aunt, unsubstantial as a shadow is, it may 
nevertheless be the means of creating a very solid idea of 
the thing signified. At all events, it is better than nothing; 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 5l 

more especially as this shadow possesses (what other shadows 
do not) a stationary faculty; and I do apprehend, that whether 
the sun shines or not, and whether a candle be or be not in 
the room, the said shadowy gentleman will not quit your fire- 
side without leave, if you think him worthy of being once 
placed there. It is true, that from the very constitution of his 
nature, he rather looks from than at you, — but what then? A 
man's heart may look one way^ whilst his eyes turn another; 
and I beg you to take it for granted, that he is thinking very 
much about you, notwithstanding the imperfection of his bodily 
frame impedes his treating you with a full stare. If you please, 
you may fancy him in the pulpit, and that your pew happens 
to be rather on one side of him, which will fully account for 
his looking straight forward; as imagining that his admoni- 
tions and reproofs are less wanted in the pew on his right 
hand, than in many other parts of the church. It may, in- 
deed, seem somewhat strange that any one, who has renounc- 
ed (or at least, as a parson, ought to be supposed to have re- 
nounced) all dealings with the black art, should send a black 
gentleman as an ambassador and representative. But strange, 
or not strange, so it is; and here he comes, and begs leave 
to say, that he is generally considered as bearing a strong 
resemblance to his master; upon the strength of which plea, 
he chiefly hopes for a favorable reception at your hands." 

The following lines were written on the occasion of the loss 
of a young midshipman and nine sailors, belonging to his ma- 
jesty's ship Leviathan, who were unfortunately drowned, not 
far from his residence in the Isle of Wight, in the year 1804: — 

Hark to a voice that sounds from ocean's caves, 
Ye mortalS; who in fancied safety sleep! 
They that in ships o'erpass the stormy waves, 
See and declare God^s wonders in the deep. 
Warned by our sudden fate, learn heaven to prize; 
Earth^s pleasure's fade, her riches quickly flee: 
Death in one awful moment closed our eyes. 
Thou know'st not but the next may summon thee. 

We add some further specimens of his poetical efforts: — 

A BIRTH-DAY THOUGHT. 

My birth-day of nature Fve oftentimes kept, 

And rejoiced in the revels of youth; 
Yet 'twas all but a dream, for I slumbered and slept, 

Quite a stranger to God and his truth. 

But he pitied my soul, I awoke from my sleep, 
And he saved me in infinite love: 



52 ME3I0IRS OF THE 

A new birth-day my Saviour then taught me keep. 
For agciin I wcis bom from above. 

And now I believe that the God of all peace 

Will be mine till with ag^e I am hoary, 
But if angels rejoiced at mv birth-day of grace, 

How they'll sing on my birtli-day of glory! L. R. 

*^No cloud can overshadow a true Christiauj but bis faith 
will discern a rainbow in it." — Bp. Home. 
The same idea versified: 

What though a cloud o'ershade my sight, 

Bi^ ^^^th affliction's tear^ 
Yet Faith, amidst the drops that fall. 

Discerns a rainbow there. L. R. 

Epitaph on the death of his own infant: — 

This lovely bud, so young, so fair, 

Called hence by ecu^iy doom. 
Just came to shew how sweet a flower 

In Pciradise would bloom. 

By a reference to the Diary it will be seen that an allusion 
was made to Mr. Richmond's review of the late Archdeacon 
Daubeny's Vindicice Ecclesice AngUcance.^ This critique, 
written in the year 1804, and inserted in the Christian Ob- 
server, claims a just title to distinction among productions of 
this class; whether we consider the ability and conclusiveness 
of its reasoning, the extensive acquaintance which it manifests 
with the writiuo's of the Reformers, and with the genuine prin- 
ciples and doctrines of the Church of England, or the concil- 
iatory spirit in which it is written. Controversy is here strip- 
ped of the acrimonious spirit which too often disgraces its 
pages; and truth is pursued without violating the law of char- 
ity. By a writer in the Critical Review for June 1805, this 
critique is called ^^the most respectable" work which has jet 
come before him. ^'In delivering this opinion," he declares 
himself to have been "•influenced by a regard to the author's 
experience and learning on the matters in dispute, to the sound- 
ness of his principles, to his talents as a reasoner, and to the 
moderation and good temper with which he expresses him- 
self." He adds, that the author ^'has manifested a consid- 
erable acquaintance with the writings of the Reformers, and 
the history of the religious opinions of their day:" and that 
he ''has successfully exposed some errors of ]NIr. Daubeny, 
and has thrown out several remarks which may well deserve 
the attention of that gentleman." That the reader may be 

* See p. 40. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 53 

fully in possession of the circumstances of this controversy, it 
is necessary to state, that the Rev. Mr. Overton had written 
a work, entitled, 'the True Churchman Ascertained,' in 
which he undertakes to vindicate that portion of the clergy 
usually designated 'Evangelical,' from the charges and insin- 
uations of their opponents; and to prove the priority of their 
claim to the title of true churchmen, from their stricter adher- 
ence to the real doctrines of the church. In the prosecution 
of this object, the real sense of the articles and doctrines of 
the Reformers is investigated and appealed to; and the con- 
clusion then drawn is, that, by a reference to this standard, a 
very serious defection will be found to have taken place, among 
many of the clergy, from the doctrines of their own church, 
and from the principles established at the Reformation. '-^ A 
man bold enough to advance a charge like this, must naturally 
have expected to create a host of adversaries, and must have 
looked for support, under such a conflict, to the sincerity of 
his motives, and the supposed authority of his facts and evi- 
dence. It is impossible, however, to peruse this book, and not 
to acknowledge the great research, the acuteness of argu- 
ment, the able exposition of the doctrines and principles of the 
Church of England, and the methodical arrangement mani- 
fested by the author, in the execution of his work; which, if 
properly revised, and purified from some of the defects imputed 
to it, might still be made highly instrumental to the removal 
of many doctrinal errors in the present day. Many living 
authors were specified by name on this occasion, and extracts 
adduced from their writings, as furnishing undeniable testimony 
of a departure from sound doctrine. Mr. Daubeny being 
classed, and in some respects rather unjustly, with others 
whose sentiments were more reprehensible than those he pro- 
fessed, came forward, on his own behalf, and on that of a 
large body of the clergy, to vindicate himself and them from 
the charge of being corrupters of sound doctrine, and pro- 
duced his 'Vindicise Ecclesiag Anglicanae,' in reply. It is this 
last work which gave rise to the critique of Mr. Richmond. 
Without entering at large into the subject, we shall confine 
ourselves to the selection of those portions of it, in which the 
interests of sound faith and vital religion seem to be most at 
issue. 

Though Mr. Daubeny seems in some places to distinguish 
between baptismal and spiritual regeneration, there are other 
passages in which he appears to consider them as contempora- 
neous and inseparable, and as declared to be so in the judg- 



54 MEMOIRS OF TUE 

ment of our own church. On this subject, Mr. Richmond re- 
marks — ''as to the expressions which Mr. Dauben? brings for- 
ward, as proofs that the church considers baptism and regen- 
eration to be synonymous; we would observe, that the church 
w usuaUij made to speak in the name and in the character 
of that part of it, uhich truhj believes and partakes of her 
saving privileges; and when assertions are made as to the 
efficacy of the sacraments, the blessing" of church communion, 
the state of the departed, and other important articles of 
Christian hope and belief, whether it be in the form of public 
prayer, homilies, articles, apologies, or catechisms, it is pre- 
sumed that all who unite in the use of her forms of worship, 
and are not, by open and known delinquency , worthy of ex- 
communication, are really such as we hope and pray they 
should be. There is clearly a very wide distinction between 
the expression of a general hope, and a determination as to 
each individual case. Without the former, no public forms 
can be drawn up; but we cannot hazard the latter, without 
wholly mistaking the nature of the Christian covenant. 

''The Church of England, in her office of infant baptism, 
certainly presumes on the regeneration of every baptized child. 
But she does the same, in the office for those of riper years, 
respecting every adult who is baptized. In the latter case, 
however, it is clearly a charitable presumption; and the exact 
parallelism of the two forms furnishes good ground for suppos- 
ing that it is the same in the former. If regeneration is to 
be considered as always accompanying the rite of baptism, we 
shall be brought to the dilemma of admitting that an insincere 
adult, who, though he professes, yet does not possess, the re- 
quisites of faith and repentance, must nevertheless be regener- 
ated without either: contrary to the express doctrine of scrip- 
ture and of the church." 

This explanation, if rightly considered, would solve the 
difficulty on this much agitated subject. It is the principle 
which pervades all our services; nor can they be understood, 
or defended, on any other supposition. They are framed 
throughout on the presumption that all her worshippers are 
sincere, and as such, she addresses them in terms appropriate 
to true believers. If we examine the construction of the ser- 
vices of the church, and study their design and import, we 
shall see that whether it be in the rite of baptism, — of con- 
firmation, — of the sacrament of the Lord's supper, — in the 
solemnization of matrimony, — in the visitation of the sick, — 
or in the final close of all earthly offices, the burial of the 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 55 

dead, — the language of devotional feeling is indiscriminately 
put into the mouth of the living, and that of faith and hope is 
expressive of her sentiments for the dead. If truth seem to 
be somewhat violated by this arrangement, because it is 
impossible to suppose that all are truly partakers of the 
character and privileges ascribed to them, we should bear in 
mind that the defect, if it be right to employ such a term, is 
in fact a defect of discipline, rather than an imperfection in the 
constitution and design of the church. Nor can the formu- 
laries of public worship be correctly modelled on any other 
principle than that now apparent in them. The outward pro- 
fession is the testimony to the church, and the warrant for all 
her declarations: the inward experience is left to the eye and 
judgment of God; and thus, presuming that her worshippers 
mean what their presence and profession are supposed to 
imply, she charitably appropriates to each the language of 
promise and privilege; leaving to every man's conscience to 
perform the faithful office of an approving or condemning 
monitor. There are, however, beacons held out to guard 
against the consequences of self-delusion. In the administra- 
tion of the Lord's supper, a possibility is admitted of the com- 
municant being an unworthy partaker, so as to forfeit the 
promised blessing, and to incur the threatened gilt. Why 
then is the blessing to be considered revocable in the one 
sacrament, and irrevocable in the other; and not, rather, in 
both instances, dependant on the quo animo of the receiver, and 
on the sincerity and faith by which he is actuated in the per- 
formance of the duty.^ That such is the supposition, is evident 
from the language used in the twenty-seventh Article, wherein 
baptism is called "the sign of regeneration, or new birth, 
whereby they that receive baptism rightlij^ are grafted into the 
church." The promise is here applied and limited, not to the 
right administration J but to the right reception of baptism. 
In the case of children dying in infancy, and perhaps in many 
other cases, that baptism and regeneration may be contempora- 
neous, we will readily admit; that they are so, under all 
circumstances, is as unsupported by fact as by Scripture; for 
how can we suppose a principle to have been communicated, 
when we can discover none of its evidences and effects? Or 
ho^v can the rite be deemed inseparable from the blessing, 
when the instance of Simon Magus is a recorded proof to the 
contrary } 

The following authorities, adduced by Mr. Richmond, are 
Tery conclusive in shewing how untenable is the position, that 



5G MEMOIRS OF THE 

the grace of the sacrament is inseparable from its administra- 
tion. 

" ^Grace sometimes goes before a sacrament, sometimes 
follows it, and sometimes does not follow it.'* — Theodoret. 

'^St. Augustin, commenting on the passage, ^they all drank 
the same spiritual drink, but with some of them God was not 
well pleased,' makes the following remark: 'Though all the 
sacraments w^ere common to all, yet the grace, which is the 
virtue of the sacraments, was not common to all. As it is 
also now, under a dispensation which was not then known, the 
laver of regeneration is common to all that are baptized in the 
name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; but the grace 
itself J belonging to the sacrament^ by which the members oj 
tJie body of Christ are regenerate with their head^ is not 
common to a//.'"f 

"St. Chrysostom observes, 'Many are baptized with water, 
who are not baptized with the Holy Ghost; they seem to be 
the sons of God in respect of their baptism, but, indeedj they 
are not the sons of God, because they are not baptized with 
the Holy Ghost. 'l 

''St. Jerome has a similar passage, in his Commentary on 
the third chapter of the Galatians. 

The remark of Hooker is very justly and powerfully express- 
ed: 'They (the sacram.ents) contain in themselves no vital 
force or efficacy: they are not physical, but moral instruments 
of salvation; duties of service and worship; which unless we 
perform as the Author of grace requireth, they are unprofitable. 
For all receive not the grace of God, ichich receive the sacra- 
ment of his grace. '^ There are other passages, where he 
speaks very strongly of the grace consequent on the use of the 
sacraments, but he is always to be understood as limiting their 
application to the persons of believers. Nay, so explicit is he 
in annexing the promise of the grace to the fulfilment of the 
required conditions, that he does not scruple, in another part, 
to declare, that 'he which is not a Christian before he come 

*^ "Gratia sacrameiUum aliqiiando praecedit, aliquando sequitUT; aliquando 
nee sequitur." 

t Omnes oundem polum splritualem biberunt, sed non in omnibus bene j 
placitiim est Deo: et cum essent omnia cummunia sacramenta, non communis 
erat omnibus ^atia, quae sacramentorum virtus est. Sicut et nunc, jam 
revelata fide quae tunc velabatur, omnibus in nomine Patris et Filii et Spiri- 
lus Sancti baptizatis commune est lavacrum regenerationis, sed ipsa gratia, 
cuju^ sujit so.ci'amenta qua membra corporis Christi cum sua capite regenerata 
stint, non communis est omnibus. 

X See his fifth Homily on St. Matthew. 

^ See EcclesiasticalPolity; book b, p. 273, folio edit. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 57 

to receive baptism, cannot be made a Christian by baptism; 
which is only the seal of the grace of God before received.' "* 

To the above quotations might be added, a very conclusive 
remark from Bishop Latimer, one of the Reformers. "Christ 
saith," he observes, " 'except a man be born again from above, 
he cannot see the kingdom of God.' He must have a re- 
generation: and what is this regeneration.^ It is not to he 
christened in water (as these fire-brands expound it) and 
nothing else. How is it to be expounded then.^ St. Peter 
sheweth, that one place of Scripture declareth another. It is 
the circumstance and collation of places that make Scripture 
plain. St. Peter saith, 'we be born again.' How.^ 'Not by 
a mortal seed, but by an immortal.' What is this immortal 
seed .^ By the word of the living Gody by the word of God 
preached and opened: thus cometh in our new birth,^^'\ 
Latimer here attributes regeneration to its true source, to the 
efficacy of God's word on the heart and conscience; and, by 
his sarcastic remark, evidently considers the doctrine of a 
baptismal and spiritual regeneration as a Popish error, the 
opus operatum of the Church of Rome. 

The part of Mr. Daubeny's work in which he most discovers 
the error of his doctrinal sentiments, is, where he asserts that 
the faith which justifies, is neither naturally nor necessarily 
productive of good works, and that there may be even "a firm 
belief in Christ, as the whole and sole cause of salvation," 
which may convey to the professing party his original interest 
in the merits of Christ; and which, nevertheless, may be un- 
fruitful and inoperative. J 

In reference to this remark, Mr. Richmond observes, "on a 
right understanding of this doctrine, and of its real efficacy on 
the heart of the believer, stands the very foundation of pure 
and undefiled religion. No point can be more clearly laid 
down by our Reformers and early divines, than that it is one 
and the same faith, which unites us to Christ, — which justi- 
fies, — which saves, — which gives to the penitent and believing 
sinner his title to the heavenly inheritance, — and which puri- 
fies and renders him meet for the possession of it.''^ To prove 
that the faith which justifies is not inoperative, he then refers 
largely to the book of Homilies, from which we select the 
following passages. 

* Ibid, p. 276. 

t Fathers of the English Churchy vol. ii. p. 654. 
\ Vindicise Ecclesiae AnglicansS; p. 350. 
6 



I 



58 MEMOIRS OF THE 

"The right and true Christian faith is, not only to believe 
that holy Scripture, and all the aforesaid articles of our faith, 
are true; but also to have a sure trust and co«ifidence in God's 
merciful promises, to be saved from everlasting damnation by 
Christ; whereof doth follow a loving hearty to obey his com- 
mandmcnts.^ 

"Faith doth not lie dead in the heart, but is lively and 
fruitful, in bringing forth good works. | 

"As the light cannot be hid, but will shew forth itself, at 
one place or other; so a true faith cannot be kept secret; 
but, when occasion is offered, it ^vill break out, and shew 
itself by good works. 

"There be two kinds of faith; a dead and unfruitful faith; 
and a faith lively, that worketh by charity. The first is un- 
profitable: the second necessary for the obtaining of our salva- 
tion: the lohich faith hath charity alicays joined unto it; and 
is fruitful, and bringeih forth all good works. 

"The true, lively, and Christian faith, is no dead, vain, or 
unfruitful thing; but a thing of perfect virtue, of wonderful 
operation or working, and strength, bringing forth all good 
motions and good works. 

"Now, forasmuch as he that believeth in Christ hath ever- 
lasting life, it must needs consequently follow, that he that 
hath this faith, must have also good works, and be studious to 
observe God's commandments obediently. 

".^s soon as a man hath faith, anon he shall flourish in 
good works ; for faith of itself is full of good tvork^, and 
nothing is good without faith." 

In the works of Tindal the reformer, there is the following 
description of the true and justifying faith, as contra-dis- 
tinguished from a mere notional and professional faith. 

"Right faith is a thing wrought by the Holy Ghost in us, 
which changeth us turneth us into a new nature, and be- 
getteth us anew in God, and maketh us the sons of God; and 
killeth the old Adam, and maketh us altogether new in the 
heart, mind, will, lust, and in all other affections and powers 
of the soul: The Holy Ghost ever accompanying her, and 
ruling the heart. Faith is a lively thing; mighty in working, 
valiant and strong; ever doing, ever fruitfid; so that it is 
impossible that he which is endued therewith, should not rvork 
always good tvorks, without ceasing ^X 

* Homily on Salvation, p. 25. 

t Homily on Faith, lirst part, p. 29. See also the Homily on Faith and 
Good Works for all the subsequent quotations. 
X See Fathers of the English Churc'h vol. i. p. 51. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 59 

Without multiplying quotations from Cranmer, Jewell, 
Hooker, and others, we shall only add the testimony borne 
by the twelfth Article. '^Albeit that good works, which are 
the fruits of faith, and follow after justification, cannot put 
away our sins, and endure the severity of God's judgment; 
yet are they pleasing and acceptable to God in Christ, and 
do spring out necessarily of a true and lively faith; insomuch 
that by them a lively faith may be as evidently known^ as a 
tree discerned by the fruit. ^^ 

We close these extracts with the following scriptural au- 
thorities: — ^'Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the 
world; and this is the victory that overcometh the world, 
even our faith." "Who is he that overcometh the world, 
but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?" — 
1 John V. 4, 5. ^'Purifying their hearts by faith." — Acts 
XV. 9. "Faith, which worketh by love." — Gal. v. 6. Many 
other passages might be quoted: see John i. 12, 13; iii. 36; 
T. 24; Heb. xi. 

We should not have indulged in these lengthened remarks, 
were it not from the conviction that the doctrinal errors 
which have been specified, are far from being confined to the 
name of the late Archdeacon Daubeny (whom we would here 
wish to mention with all the tenderness of respect due to his 
character and virtues;) but they still exist to no considerable 
extent. It is impossible not to admit, that on the subject of 
faith and works there is a great indistinctness and ambiguity 
of language; much misconception as to their order and prece- 
dence, and that the nature and properties of a justifying faith 
are not sufficiently distinguished from a mere notional faith, 
or speculative assent of the understanding, unaccompanied by 
any of its genuine eifects on the heart and life. Yet if 
this doctrine, as it has been asserted by one of its most 
celebrated champions,"^ be the ^'articuliis stantis vel caden- 
tis Ecclesice,^^ that important article of faith, on the right 
understanding of which every church must stand or fall, how 
can v/e contemplate the existence of so fundamental an 
error, in any of the ministers of our own church, without 
the most anxious forebodings as to its ultimate consequences.^ 

Again, if we are told that in baptism all are regenera- 
ted, though we see thousands who have been baptized ex- 
hibiting no traces of a renewed heart or holy life, how can 
we reconcile the contrariety of the fact with the existence 

^ Luther. 



60 MEMOIRS OF THE 

of the principle, or with the positive declaration of Scripture, 
"whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin, for bis 
seed remaineth in him; and he cannot sin (that is to say^ 
cannot wilfully and habitually sin,) because he is born of 
God?" — 1 John iii. 9. To refer the members of the visi- 
ble church to regeneration at baptism, as alone sufficient to 
accredit their pretensions to the Christian character, is, in 
the judgment of Mr. Richmond, and of the writer of this 
memoir, to present a fatal opiate to their consciences, and 
to nullify a most solemn and necessary admonition {given, 
let it be observeed^ to the baptized,) "Examine yourselves, 
whether ye be in the faith." — 2 Cor. xiii, 5. 

It is much to be lamented that Mr. Richmond never un- 
dertook the exposure of these errors, and of others that 
might be mentioned, on a more extended scale; fitted as he 
was for the task, by his extensive research, his matured 
experience, his acknowledged powers, and the benignity of 
his character. We cannot furnish a stronger evidence of 
the Christian spirit, divested of all party feeling, that would 
have influenced him in the execution of such a work, than 
in laying before the reader the concluding passages of his 
Review. After having vindicated the construction, attrib- 
uted by Mr. Overton to the Articles of the Church of Eng- 
land, of a modified Calvinism^ remote from all objection- 
able extremes, he bursts forth into the following animated 
and Christian strain: — 

"Are, then, the doctrines ff the Church of England to be 
considered as Calvinistic? — Certainly not; if by that expres- 
sion the assertion of all Calvin's peculiarities is intended. 
Are they then Arminian? — No, by no means; if a similar 
mode of defining that term is to be employed. But are we 
hence to infer that none are to be admitted within the 
pale of the church, who think either with the one or the 
other of these eminent divines, on the points at issue between 
them? This would be a very unfounded conclusion. The 
qualifications requisite to form a sound member of the Church 
of England, do not by any means turn on the avowal or re- 
jection of the peculiar dogmas of Calvin or Arminius. Who, 
may we not ask, is Calvin? or, who is Arminius? Were 
they crucified for us, or were we baptized in their name? 
We have only one master to whom we owe subjection, even 
Christ. Do we believe and rely on him as our on]y Saviour? 
Are we humbled before God, under a deep sense of our sin- 
fulness, and of our innumerable transgressions of his law? 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 61 

Conscious of merited wrath, are we making Jesus Christ 
our sole refuge; and is our every hope of pardon, acceptance, 
and final salvation, founded on his obedience, sacrifice, 
mediation, and intercession? Conscious of our natural 
ignorance and weakness, are we exercising an habitual de- 
pendence on the Holy Spirit for light and strength ? Through 
his power, are we striving to be delivered from all sin, and to 
obtain the renewal of our hearts to holiness after the image 
of God? Are we living as those ought to do, who are look- 
ing for death and judgment, and who are candidates for a 
heavenly crown? Are we obeying Christ as our supreme 
Lord? Is love to God the predominant affection of our souls; 
and does it produce the fruit of cheerful, unremitting, and 
unreserved obedience? Do we feel the force of gratitude to 
our God and Saviour inciting us to the cultivation of all holy, 
heavenly, and devout affections; and to the performance of 
every civil, social and relative duty? Are we at the same 
time diligently using the means which God has instituted in 
his church for our growth in grace, and advancement in the 
knowledge and in the love of God? Do we constantly fre- 
quent his courts ? Do we attend the table of the Lord ? Do 
we read and hear his word, with an earnest desire to be 
made acquainted with his will? Are we habitually watchful 
over our hearts and lives, and assiduous in the work of self- 
examination? And to all these means of improvement, do 
we add unceasing and fervent prayer to the God and Fa- 
ther of our Lord Jesus Christ, that he would pardon our 
sins for the sake his Son; thaix he would sanctify us wholly; 
and through the blood of the everlasting covenant, would 
make us perfect in every good work to do his wiM? These 
are the more decisive marks, by which our true churchman- 
ship is to be ascertained. May every one who reads them, 
have a testimony in his own conscience, that they are fairly 
descriptive of his character." 

His admonitions to those engaged in controversy are thus 
impressively delivered : — 

"What will it avail them in the great day of account, when 
the contentions which now agitate their minds, shall sink into 
absolute insignificance, — shall be as if they had never been 
— what will it then avail them to have vanquished their ad- 
versaries by the superiority of their polemical skill, if, unhap- 
pily imbibing the baneful spirit of controversy, they shall be 
found to have violated that brotherly love, which forms a 
distinguishing badge of the real followers of Jesus Christ? 
6# 



62 MEMOIRS OP THE 

'Certainly,' as the pious Bishop Hall has observed, 'God 
abides none but charitable dissentions; those that are well 
grounded and well governed; grounded upon just causes, and 
governed with Christian charity and wise moderation; those 
whose beginning is equity, and whose end is peace. If we 
must differ, let these be the conditions; let everyone of God's 
ministers be ambitious of that praise which Gregory Nazianzen 
gives to Athanasius; to be an adamant to them that strike 
him, and a loadstone to them that dissent from him; the one 
not to be moved with wrong, — the other to draw those hearts 
which disagree. So the fruit of righteousness shall be sown 
in peace of them that make peace. So the God of peace 
shall have glory, the church of God rest, and our souls un- 
speakable consolation and joy, in the day of the appearing of 
our Lord Jesus.' "* 



CHAPTER VI. 

Hia removal from the Isle of Wight— Temporary connexion with the Lock Hos- 
pital, in London, — and final settlement at Turvey. 

A CHANGE of residence, and of his sphere of labor, is, to a 
minister, at all times a subject for grave deliberation. He 
can take no step, in the consequences of which, others are not 
deeply involved as well as himself. In no instance does he 
stand alone: his principles, habits, and conduct, wheresoever 
he goes, exercise their power%l effects on all around him; and 
he is the star, by whose genial or unfriendly influence, their 
present, as well as future destiny, is in a great measure to be 
determined. It is this truth which constitutes the moral re- 
sponsibility attendant on the acceptance of a new appointment. 
If the glory of God, and the conversion of immortal souls, are 
the grand objects of which, as a minister, he is never to lose 
sight; nothing less than a deliberate and well-founded con- 
viction that these are likely to be promoted by the step con- 
templated, ought to determine his removal, more especially 
from a scene where his labors have been owned and blessed. 
So long, however, as we are assured that "the Lord order- 
eth a good man's goings," and "appointeth the bounds of his 
habitation;" the indications of his will, and the openings of 
his providence, rightly interpreted, will ever form the best 
guide and ground for his determination. It was under the 

* See HalPs Peacemaker, ad Jinem, 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 63 

fullest conviction that he was pursuing the path of duty, that 
Mr. Richmond was induced to listen to the proposition of as- 
sisting the Rev. Mr. Fry, in his laborious services as Chap- 
lain to the Lock Hospital in London. The prospect of a more 
extended sphere of usefulness, and the inadequacy of his in- 
come to meet the demands of an increasing family, rendered 
such an offer highly eligible; and we shall see by the result, 
in what manner his acceptance of this appointment, short as 
was its duration, providentially led the way to all the subse- 
quent events of his life. He proceeded, therefore, to London, 
to confer on the subject of this new arrangement, and preach- 
ed his first sermon from the following text: — ^'But of him are 
ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and 
righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption." 1 Cor. 
i, 30. 

Some extracts from letters written to his wife at this time, 
previously to the removal of his family from Brading, will 
throw a light on a few of the circumstances connected with 
this change of his residence and ministry. 

^^ London, February 5, 1805. 
"I think I may say, I am determined to try this situation. 
The Lord seems to give me such tokens of affection, friend- 
ship, and acceptableness, amongst the congregation of the 
Lock, and points out so many spiritual advantages, though 
mingled with great trials and temptations, that I believe I am 
right in coming to this decision. On Wednesday evening, I 
preached for Mr. Fry. Several gentlemen spoke to each of 
us, expressing a hope that I should undertake the charge; and 
one of them suggested, that if it were an object to me, he did 
not doubt that very many would gladly contribute towards 
the expense of the removal, and some increase of salary. 
The hint was kind, whatever might be the result. Yesterday 
morning, Mr. Fry and I conversed for a considerable time to- 
gether. I told him all my history and circumstances. He 
seems resolved to omit nothing which may contribute to the 
hopefulness and comfort of my arrangement; and I really 
think that it is God's will that I should repose a temporal as 
well as a spiritual confidence in him. I called yesterday on 
Mr. Wilberforce, who put five pounds into my hand to go 
about from poor to poor and distribute.^ Blessed commission! 

* The wisdom of this mode of doing good; must at once commend itself 
to thosO; who are aware of the circumstances in which clergymen are fre- 
quently placed relative to the poor. Their parochial duties bring to tlieir 

\ 



64 MEMOIRS OF THE 

I am to dine there to-day, and to take leave of the Dean of 
Carlisle, who goes to Cambridge to-morrow. No two men 
ever harmonized more sweetly in opinion, views, taste, judg- 
ment, kc. than Mr. Fry and myself. Our friendship is form- 
ing and coniirmiug on the best grounds, I trust. You will judge 
how little able I am to see many friends, or to do any thing 
but labor in my vocation, when I tell you that I am to preach 
twice on Good Friday, twice on Easter Sunday, once on 
Easter Tuesday, and, perhaps, Easter Monday, and even next 
Wednesday. You cannot write too often; the sight of your 
letters cheers and delights me. I wish I could play on the 
ground for half an hour with the children." 

'• London, Sunday. April 15, 1805. 

^^I begin a few lines to you, my dearly-beloved wife, in the 
interval between my two services; and I can hardly give any 
other reason, than that my mind is worked up to a high state 
of agitation, by meditating and preparing to preach to-night, 
from John v, 28, 29, and it wants a few minutes' relief. The 
subject is truly solemn; and the manner in which I propose to 
treat it, will be very trying and awful both to me and my 
hearers. I preached to an overflowing congregation, this 
morning, from Philip, iii, 10; — it cost me great thought and 
pains; — I administered the sacrament to near two hundred 
persons. I have been meditating for two hours, on death, judg- 
ment, heaven, and hell. I feel that in the pulpit I shall either 
deliver myself with very little, or very great feeling and effect. 
Oh! for a heart to feel more for myself and others; — what a 
poor, cold, miserable creature I feel myself to be; I am some- 
times constrained to cry out — and can such a worthless being 
be saved? — yet there is worth in Jesus for the most worthless. 
God make me to experience fully the power of his resurrec- 
tion, lest when I have preached to others, I myself should 
become a cast-away. Adieu for the present, — perhaps I may 
add a few lines before I go to bed. 

^'Sunday night, ten o'clock. — My sermon proved very sol- 
emn, and brought forth very copious tears from many eyes. I 

notice peculiar cases of want, which ought not to be made public. So limited, 
generally, are their ovra resources, that unless hinds are in this way put at 
their disposal, many ot' God's o\\ti children may be left to sutler. It is the 
practice of some chiu'ches, to put portions of money in the hands of their Pas- 
tor, for distribution among such destitute members as may come imder his 
special notice; in addition to the appropriations which the Deacons are ex- 
pected to make. Some churches are too 'poor to furnish such funds. How 
proper then, tliat the wealthy should remember and imitate this exaunple of 
Wilberforce. — A?ner. Ed. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 65 

trembled inwardly, whilst I painted the resurrection and pun- 
ishment of condemned souls; and the effect was very striking 
on a most numerous and attentive congregation. I am" sitting 
up to think about a sermon for to-morrow morning. 

^^Monday morning, five o'clock. — Yesterday, at the sacra- 
ment, I observed kneeling at the rails, close to Mr. Wilber- 
force, a negro. I was much struck, and many interesting as- 
sociations filled my mind. I find also that it was quite acci- 
dental, and that Mr. W. knows nothing of him. Last night 
I dwelt on the meeting of husbands, wives, parents, and chil- 
dren at the resurrection, and thought deeply of you and your 
babes; in fact, I wept: I saw the tears of others responding 
to my own." 

While he was thus engaged in the duties and arrange- 
ments attendant on his new appointment, the following letter 
will prove that in dispensing spiritual instruction to others, he 
was not unmindful of what he owed to one, whose happiness 
and welfare were so nearly connected with his own. 

^'London, April 20, 1805. 

^^My dear Wife, — I really feel it as an answer to very 
many prayers which I have for years past offered up for you, 
that you are now seriously thinking on the all-important sub- 
ject of religion. I trust you will henceforth become my spir- 
itual monitor and counsellor, my helpmate in every good word 
and work, and my wife indeed, united in grace as well as in 
providence. With respect to the inward conflicts and doubts 
which you entertain in your mind, you must seek spiritual ar- 
mor to fight the battle. Remember, that if you truly desire 
to overcome all the evil tempers, affections, desires, and prin- 
ciples of your natural heart, you have an evidence within, that 
God must have wrought it, and that he will not suffer you to 
be tempted above what you are able to bear, but will, with 
the temptation, make a way to escape. With respect to prayer, 
I recommend you to consider the precept of ^pray always and 
without ceasing.' This evidently refers to that perpetual dis- 
position of the heart to lift itself up in sudden, short, ejacula- 
tory prayer, which is one of the most necessary means and 
proofs of grace. It is this alone which can render the ap-* 
pointed and regular devotions of the church, the family, and 
the closet, lively, strong, and efficacious. Satan will lose 
much of his strong hold, if you thus laboriously strive to ob- 
tain a prayerful frame of heart, an habitual meditation upoa 



66 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Christ and eternity, a frequency of conversing on sacred things, 
and above all, experimental contemplation and conversation. 
The world is a deadly enemy to spiritual attainment; you 
cannot too soon see the high importance of being less con- 
formed to it, in all its vanities, vices, follies, and unprofitable 
waste of time, gifts, and talents. The Christian will appear, 
even in the simplicity of every personal ornament. The dress, 
the countenance, the tone of voice, the address, will lose its 
former levity; and in the minutest trifles of common life, you 
will see the hand of God leading to important events, and his 
finger pointing to the life that is to come. I have just been 
praying most earnestly, that God may carry on such a work in 
your heart. The grand work of all is, to believe. This is 
the root and fountain of all other graces. That believing look 
at the Saviour, which sees an interest in him, or which at 
least leads to full conviction, both of his sufficiency and effi- 
ciency to save our oiqn souls, is the master work of God. 
May you be led fully to see this, and in God's own time to 
rejoice in it. Accustom yourself to talk constantly with Nu- 
gent and Mary on the substantial parts of Christianity, and 
appeal to those little instances of experience which even a 
child may comprehend. I wrote to you yesterday, and hope 
you have got my letter. I have this instant received your's 
of Tuesday. I hope to be able to leave London by the time 
you mention. The three things which I have to settle, if pos- 
sible, are — the house, the furniture, and a successor; and I do 
hope another week will arrange the two former. I only fear 
for the latter, and this makes me uneasy; however, as I shall 
retain the curacy till Christmas, there is still time and oppor- 
tunity; but much depends on a desirable substitute for the 
summer, otherwise all might be overthrown. 

^^Saturday morning, six o'clock. — I went yesterday to the 
Hospital, and spent three hours in very close inspection of 
the miserable objects whom it contains. I have now resolved 
on taking the house. It is in Chester Street, about a hun- 
dred yards from the Lock; it is surrounded by fields, has a 
very pleasant prospect, charming air, great retirement and 
quietness, with a little garden, a remarkably neat exterior, 
and as neat and comfortable an interior. 

^^Our final removal, if we can get a curate, must be in the 
middle of June. I am asked, and have consented to preach 
the Charity Sermon at Newport, on May 16th. I must once 
more assure you, that I shall not stay a day longer than ab- 
solute business requires. I trust our separation has been for 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 67 

the best;, and that our temporal and spiritual concerns, our 
views and resolutions, tempers and principles, will all thrive 
and prosper for the better. God bless the dear children. 
Kind regards to your fire-side, from your truly affectionate 
husband, L. Richmond." 

Mr. Richmond's connexion with the Lock chapel was not 
of long duration. A few weeks after his engagement, the 
rectory of Turvey in Bedfordshire became vacant by the death 
of the late Rev. Erasmus Middleton, author of "Biographia 
Evangelica.'^^ Mrs. Fuller, an eminently pious lady, was at 
that period in possession of the patronage of this benefice; 
and being desirous of conscientiously fulfilling the important 
and sacred trust committed to her, she wrote to the late Am- 
brose Serle, Esq. one of the commissioners of the Transport 
Ofiice, author of ^'Horce Solitariodj'^ and many other valuable 
works, stating that as she was much indebted to him for the 
benefit she had received from his writings, she would present the 
rectory of Turvey to any clergyman, of similar sentiments 
with himself whom he might choose to recommend. Mr. Serle, 
who at that time attended the Lock chapel as his constant 
place of worship, immediately fixed on Mr. Richmond as the 
fittest person among his clerical friends and connexions to fill 
this situation. It is, however, a fact highly honorable to him, 
and a proof of the purity of his motives, that he could with 
difficulty be persuaded to accept the nomination. His feel- 
ings recal to mind the answer of another truly pious and ex- 
cellent clergyman, who has refused to exchange a small curacy 
for three livings successively offered to him, and who will pro- 
bably from this circumstance be recognized by many of the 
clerical readers of this Memoir, "What can a man want who 
is useful and happy?" And, to cite the remark of another 
upon this truly Christian sentiment, "What can he want who 
has Christ in his ministrations, and Christ's love in his 
heart.?" 

The objection which Mr. Richmond made to his accep- 
tance of this benefice, arose from the apprehension that he 
should enter a sphere of much less usefulness than that in 
which he was then engaged. He was not aware, at that 
time, that the population of Turvey consisted of eight hundred 
souls. 

He ultimately yielded, however, to the judgment of his 
friends, and entered on his labors at Turvey. He was in- 
ducted by his friend Mr. Fry, on the 30th of July; and, with 



68 MEMOIilS OF THE 

his family, went to reside at the parsonage in the month of 
October following'. At the time of his induction he wrote the 
following; letter to Mrs. Richmond: — 

Emberton, July 30, 1805. 

"My dearest Mary, — I arrived safely, under the divine 
blessing, at this good man's house yesterday. I have but a 
few minutes for a few lines, but I must send those few. I 
went to Turvey this morning. I like the place, — I like the 
house, and I feel disposed to be well pleased, in spite of the 
casement windows which are very good of their kind. I was 
inducted amidst the ringing of bells, and congregation of 
people, who assembled in troops to peep at the new rector 
and witness the ceremony. The church is very handsome 
and commodious. The day is delightful, and every thing 
appeared to advantage. There are several conveniences 
about the premises. I shall reserve all farther particulars 
for conversation on Thursday evening, when I hope to see 
you. To-morrow I go to Mr. Higgins, and to make various 
inquiries at the rectory; and in the evening I preach for Mr. 
Fry. 

"My first impression of all the premises at Turvey was 
a favorable one; and I am persuaded all may be comfortable, 
with a blessing; on a contented and satisfied heart." 



CHAPTER VII. 

Commencement of hfs ministerial labors at Turvey — Former state of the parish — 
Plans and exertions for its improvement— Judicious rules and rec[uIations of his 
Friendly Society— Effect of his exertions— His 'Fathers of the English Church* 
— Doctrine and mode of preaching — Brief reflections on controversy. 

Mr. Richmond commenced his residence at Turvey, in 
October, 1805. But before we enter on the detail of his 
ministerial labors, it may be proper to advert to the state and 
circumstances of the parish, previously to his appointment to it 
as rector. 

The village of Turvey is situated between the two towns of 
Bedford and Olney, being eight miles distant from the former, 
and four from the latter. It was anciently the residence of 
a noble family, some of whose warlike ancestors repose be- 
neath the beautiful and splendid marble monuments which 
adorn the chancel of the church. What was once the man- 
sion, is now converted into a farm-house. Having long ceas- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 69 

til to retain its original magnificence, it seems, in its present 
form to announce the transitory character of human grandeur. 
The family of the Mordaunts, subsequently Earls of Peterbor- 
ough, illustrious as it once was in British history, and cele- 
brated for its achievements in arms, now no longer exists, 
having become extinct in the year 1814. How justly may 
we apply to these instances of the instability of all earthly 
dignities, the impressive exclamation of a distinguished judge 
of former days:* — ^^And yet Time hath his revolutions; there 
must be a period and an end to all temporal things; — an 
end of names and dignities, and of w^hatsoever is terrene. 
For where is Bohun? — where is Mowbray? — where is Mor- 
timer? Nay, which is more, and most of all, where is 
Plantagenct? They are entombed in the urns and sepul- 
chres of mortality!" 

Previously to Mr. Richmond's incumbency, the village of 
Turvey appears to have been greatly neglectecT. The duties 
of the church were irregularly performed; nor was there 
ever more than one service on the sabbath-day, among a 
population of at least 800 inhabitants. The ordinances of 
religion were not respected; the minds of the people were 
grossly ignorant, and their morals and manners rude and dis- 
orderly. The Rev. Erasmus Middleton was Mr. Richmond's 
immediate predecessor; a man distinguished both for his learrj- 
ing and piety. By him the services of the church were in- 
creased; and the work of reformation was gradually, though 
slowly advancing, when this faithful minister was prematurely 
cut off, in the midst of his exertions, having retained his office 
only for the short period of one year. 

Mr. Richmond succeeded Mr. Middleton; and entered on 
his new appointment with a reputation for talents and piety, 
which excited a great interest in the neighborhood, and an 
expectation of extensive usefulness among his parishioners. 
The text of his first sermon was taken from 1 Cor. ii, 2; 
"For I determined not to know any thing among you, save 
Jesus Christ and Him crucified." From these words he uni- 
formly preached on every returning anniversary of his in- 
cumbency, and continued to do so till the last year of his 
life. 

To those who overlook the comprehensive meaning of this 
passage of holy Scripture, the text may seem to be too lim- 
ited in its view, and to restrict the whole summary of divine 

* Lord Chief Justice Crcwc, in the time of Ciiaries II. 
7 



to MEMOIRS OF THE 

truth to the doctrine of the Atonement, without a due regard 
to other important branches of Christian faith and practice. 
But let it be remembered that the same Apostle, who "de- 
termined to know nothing but Jesus Christ and him crucified," 
avows also, that he had "not shunned to declare all the 
counsel of God" (Acts xx, 27;) and consequently, the pas- 
sage must be supposed to comprise within its ample range, 
the full extent and substance of every thing that is needful to 
the faith and practice of the Christian; nor, indeed, is there 
a subject of doctrine or of morals, which is not essentially 
identified with the doctrine of the Cross. It is there that we 
best learn the malignity of sin, the depths of the divine love, 
the necessity of self-humiliation, the character of holiness, 
the motives and means for its attainment, and the dutiful ob- 
ligation to "glorify God with our bodies and our spirits, which 
are his." 

The following account of Mr. Richmond's proceedings at 
Turvey, will convey to the reader some notion of his zeal and 
judgment, in promoting the welfare of his parish. 

On the Sabbath-day, there were two regular full services; 
and in the evening, a lecture, more especially designed for 
the young. His weekly labors commenced with what he 
called his Tuesday-night cottage lecture, from its being held 
successively in the cottages of the poor, whom he assembled 
for the purpose of more familiar and direct instruction than 
could be usefully or suitably delivered in public. On Friday 
evening a lecture was delivered in the church, the prayers for 
the evening service being previously read; and once a month 
he met the communicants, on the Saturday preceding the 
sacrament. He had also a weekly service at the workhouse. 
But his labors were not confined to public instructions; like 
his divine Master, "he went about doing good." At the cot- 
tages of the poor he was a frequent visitor; fulfilling the apos- 
tolical injunction, of going from " house to house," scattering 
the precious seed, making himself acquainted with their spir- 
itual state, and gathering from their answers useful hints and 
reflections for the service of the succeeding Sabbath. 

A Sunday school had been established at Turvey for many 
years, endowed .by Charles Higgins, Esq., who bequeathed 
SOO/. in support of the charity. John Higgins, Esq., of Tur- 
vey Abbey, his nephew and successor, has generously paid 
an interest on the bequest, of 20/. a-year. The school, 
though well attended before, had its numbers considerably 
increased, and its regulations greatly improved, by the new 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 71 

rector. He appointed a master of real piety, justly consid- 
ering that on the principles and character of the teac-her, 
the efficiency and usefulness of these institutions materially 
depend. Mr. Richmond was accustomed to visit the school 
previously to divine service; and, for the benefit of his youth- 
ful charge, chiefly, he engaged in a third service in the 
church, on the Sunday evening. Here the first-fruits of his 
ministry appeared. The conversion of two young children, 
who afterwards died happily, followed his introductory ad- 
dress to the children. Mr. Richmond, indeed, was peculiarly 
successful on these occasions, and no part of his labors was 
attended with more striking effects. It is remarkable, that 
both at Turvey and at Brading the first memorials of his use* 
fulness occurred in the instance of children. 

Shortly afterwards, he established a Friendly Society. 
Objections have not unfrequently been made to societies of 
this description, and a preference given to Savings-banks. 
It must be admitted, that some of these objections are not 
without foundation. It has been said, "that the usual sub- 
scription of the members is insufficient to furnish a sum for 
the support of the aged, — -an insufficiency frequently increased 
by gross mismanagement; — that ordinary Friendly Societies 
are republics of the worst kind; in which are found no men 
of talent or judgment, to control the disorders of their meet- 
ings, which too often present scenes of drunkenness, conten- 
tion, and misapplication of funds; — evils which, sooner or 
later, never fail to issue in bankruptcy; — that a fifth part of 
the funds is regularly allowed for liquor, under the idea of 
encouraging the publican, at whose house the subscriptions 
are usually paid;— that the system is productive of much im- 
morality; and associations and habits formed, which bring on 
a train of serious evils; — that, to the sum allowed from the 
club, the poor man often adds a large part of his weekly 
earnings; and, instead of exercising prudence and economy, 
he wastes this money in intemperate indulgence." These 
abuses of Benefit Societies have disgusted many persons, and 
induced them to give a preference to Savings-banks, unac- 
companied with annual dinners, and monthly resorts to the 
publican. Admitting, however, the existence of these evils, 
and without detracting from the great public good of the Sav- 
ings-banks, it ought to be remembered that the abuses here 
specified form no just grounds of exception to the Friendly 
Societies conducted on better principles; and that the Sav- 
ings-banks cannot accomplish the same purposes in any thing 



t2 MEMOIRS OF THE 

like an equal de^ee. Their character and use is widely dif- 
ferent from those of Friendly Societies. The little tradesman, 
the domestic servant, the bailiff or orerseer of a farm, and 
others in similar circumstances, may find in the banks a safe 
and profitable repository for their savings; but the laborer, 
especially if a married man, has no inclination to lay up the 
small suras he subscribes to a Friendly Society; and these 
sums, if deposited at the banks, would seldom meet his ne- 
cessities in sickness and old age. A long illness would ex- 
haust his deposits, and oblige him to throw himself on his 
friends or the parish for a maintenance. But the Friendly 
Societies are, strictly. Insurance Companies : and if their 
funds be regulated by a just rate of insurance, without 
which, it is granted, no Friendly Society deserves support, 
— and if they be wisely and properly managed, no institution 
is better calculated to afiford the poor a comfortable and cer- 
tain independence. 

Mr. Richmond, who was no mean financier, was fully 
competent to determine the scale of subscription; and by his 
judicious arrangements he prevented the above evils, and 
effectually secured to the poor the benefits of a Friendly 
Society. It is greatly to be desired that his plans were 
universally known; and that all Benefit Societies were formed 
or re-modelleil on similar principles. For the information of 
the public, the following sketch of the Turvey club is inserted. 

The Friendly Society of Turvey was composed of three 
divisions. 

First, c3 club for children of both sexes, from seven to 
sixteen years of age; each member pays one shilling entrance, 
and a penny per month; and is allowed in sickness eighteen- 
pence per week. From three to four pounds is the yearly 
expenditure on sick members. The society has deposited 50/. 
in the Savings-bank, after twenty years' duration. The 
number of its members has varied from twenty to forty chil- 
dren. At sixteen years of age a member becomes eligible to 
the senior clubs, and is entitled to receive half the entrance- 
fee required on admission. 

Secondly, The club for women, confined to persons from 
seventeen to thirty-five years of age. The entrance-fee is 
five shillings; the monthly subscription one shilling, or one 
shillins^ and eiglitpence, at the option of the members. Those 
who subscribe the larger sum receive six shillings per week in 
illness; and to the Lesser subscriber is paid four shillings 
weekly. The number of members has varied from thirty to 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 73 

forty. The average payments for the last twenty years have 
been 20/. and the society has 200/. in the Savings-bank. 

Thirdly, The men?s club^ also comprising two classes. The 
members of the one pay one shilling, and of the other one 
shilling and four-pence monthly; and they respectively re- 
ceive eight shillings and six shillings weekly in sickness. 
The entrance-fee is seven shillings and sixpence. Their 
annual expenditures has been 35/., and their present fund 
amounts to nearly 400/. These clubs have about twenty 
honorary members, who greatly contribute to the opulence and 
prosperity of the institutions; and their bounty, joined to the 
subscriptions of a constant succession of young members, Mr. 
Richmond considered, on the calculation of the Northampton 
tables, to be adequate to the demands of the club. The rules 
and regulations of the Turvey club resemble, in most respects, 
those of other friendly societies; but some additions and 
amendments were made by Mr. Richmond which are too 
important to be omitted. 

First. — No persons of immoral character were admissible, 
or such as were likely to disgrace the society by habits of 
drinking, impurity, profane swearing, or other notorious crimes. 

Secondly. — A careful superintendence was maintained over 
the members by Mr. Richmond and the officers of the society. 
Offenders were admonished; and after three admonitions, if 
unreclaimed, were excluded from the benefits of the society. 

Thirdly. — The practice of assembling the members of these 
societies at public-houses, and of spending a portion of their 
funds in liquor, was prohibited; and their meetings were held 
in the vestry of the church, at which Mr. Richmond constantly 
attended. By this arrangement nearly a fifth 'part of the 
funds was saved, and the temptations of the public-house avoid- 
ed.* 

In this, and indeed in every other plan of improvement, Mr. 
Richmond was the presiding genius. Every thing was con- 
ducted nnder his eye, and owed its success to his wisdom and 
example. He possessed the happy talent of exciting interest, 
conciliating regard, and meeting difficulties with calmness; he 
x^vercame impediments by a gentleness which disarmed opposi- 
tion, a judgment which corrected mistake, and a temper which 
diffused universal harmony. There was an openness in his 
manner, which impressed all with a conviction of his sincerity, 

* For the establishment of this club, Mr. Richmond obtained the annual 
prize '' for the best regulated Benefit Society in the county of Bedford.'' 

7# 



.'4 MEMOIRS OF THE 

and prevented a suspicion of his having any other motive, than 
a wish to promote the welfare of his parishioners. 

Where he met with opposition, he did not hazard the fail- 
ure of his measures by indiscreetly urging them; but rather 
left his arguments silently and gradually to produce their 
eflect. Circumspection and caution marked every part of his 
conduct; his great aim being at all times ta"give no ofience 
in any thing, that the ministry might not be blamed." He 
was consistent throughout, in the public discharge of his duty, 
as well as in his general intercourse, and private and domestic 
habits; and thus the energy of his zeal in the pulpit was 
known to be not the excitement of the moment, '4he sparks 
of his own kindling;" but the steady tlame of a Divine spirit, 
imparting to others the sacred glow which animated his own 
bosom. 

To the character, example, and authority of Mr. Richmond, 
the members of these societies submitted their judgment; and 
yielded, for the most part, a ready acquiescence in his 
counsels. 

Notwithstanding the acknowledged excellence of these plans, 
there appears to the writer of this memoir, one important 
defect. These societies were still of a republican character; 
and it was in the power of the members to injure their own in- 
terests by the decisions of a majority. On one occasion, this 
defective government had nearly proved fatal to the Turvey 
club. The funds had increased beyond the expectation of the 
members, who, in a time of great pressure, resolved to ap- 
propriate a portion of them to the relief of their necessities; 
and they were with difficulty turned from their purpose, by his 
firmness and personal influence. This defect is remedied in a 
society formed at Emberton, on Mr. Richmond's plan; one of 
the rules of which provides, that no proposition shall pass into 
a law, without the concurrence of the president and honorary 
members. Mr. Richmond acknowledged the improvement 
upon his principle, observing, with his usual frankness, "our 
good friend at Emberton has secured by law, what I have 
effected by personal influence." 

It is very desirable that the rules of these societies should, 
after a time, be enrolled according to act of parliament; by 
which they become legal corporations, and the evil attending 
the removal of such men as Mr. Richmond is provided for, as 
far, at least, as it can be done, by bringing these societies 
under the sanction and protection of the law, and thus enabling 
the better-informed of the poor themselves, to insure the pro- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 75 

per application of their funds, and control the sudden impulse 
of popular feeling. 

Mr. Richmond's club, like other similar institutions, kept its 
anniversary; but in a different way, and with different effects. 
These feasts are usually held at the public-house, and lead to 
much disorder. The feast at Turvey was not a revel of riot 
and drunkenness; but a generous hospitality, consistent with 
Christian principle. Mr. Richmond invited, on these oc- 
casions, a number of his clerical brethren, and other respect- 
able ladies and gentlemen in the neighborhood, who usually 
assembled at Turvey, to the number of thirty or forty persons, 
and with a large concourse of the villagers, accompanied the 
society to the church. The subjoined letter gives a pleasing 
account of the proceedings of the day. 

^^My dear Friend, 

"You wish me to give you some account of the anniver- 
sary of Mr. Richmond's Friendly Societies. This I shall do 
with pleasure, having attended several of them. 

"He generally kept the anniversary in Whitsun-week. 
You already know that Mr. R. has three Friendly Societies; 
one for men, a second for women, and a third for young per- 
sons. Hence it frequently happens that the father is a mem- 
ber of the one, the mother of another, and the children of the 
third. Each club consists of the higher and middle classes of 
parishioners, as well as of the poor. The former contribute, 
but do not share in the benefit, while the latter are thus more 
liberally assisted. 

"On the anniversary, all these clubs walk in procession to 
church and hear a sermon, after which they dine together in 
the school-room. As this is an important scene of action, you 
must indulge me with a moment of your time, while I shew 
you its interior. Imagine to yourself a fine, large, airy room, 
with a lofty ceiling, following the form of the roof of the build- 
ing; the floor even, and the walls, as well as the top, beauti- 
fully white. Every part of the room is ornamented with the 
staves of the different members, painted blue, and disposed 
upon the walls, somewhat like the swords and halberts in an 
armory. These are surmounted with bouquets and festoons 
of flowers in rich profusion; for which the 'squires' gardens 
and shrubberies are laid under such heavy contributions, that 
it needs almost a year to replenish them. Think of the vari- 
.ety of flowers and shrubs that a village like Turvey would 
produce at Whitsuntide, and you may conclude that the choi- 



7G MEMOIRS OF THE 

cost of Ihom are to be lomul most tastofully arran|;e(l through- 
out the room. One garland is suspomlod from the centre, 
which is carried before tlie ohibs to the church, instead of any 
colors. In the centre o( this garland, which is in the form of 
a sphere, there is a triani;le, enibltMuatic of the three clubs 
united in one; and in the centre of the toj> of the room hang;s 
the trianL:,le o( Tnity, which I .shall have occasion to notice 
by-and-by. Four tables are j)laced round the room, so as to 
form one. That at the top for the honorary members, the 
clerixy, J^»n' i;*entry; on the rii>ht are placeil the men, on the 
left the women, ami at the lower table the children. I have 
been thus minute, because the ordtM*, as well as the eleij;ance, 
dis j)layed on the occasion, contributed much to the good elVect 
o( the whole. At eleven o\'lock the "squires of Turvey, Mr. 
and Mrs. Richmond with thtMr friends, and some of the 
neighboring clergy, assembled io nuet the club, near the 
school-room. A long train of members of the dilVerent clubs 
proceed in order to the church, headed by the rector; the 
boutMit members all carrying blue staves. The same order is 
observed on returning- from church to the school-room. A 
visitor generally preaches the sermon. 

*'\Ve were disbanded at the school-room, and allowed an 
hour ic* ramble about; after which we were summoned to din- 
ner by a bell. The members had taken their places when we 
entered the room. We were disposed at the chief table, 
and, on a signal given, all rose up, and Mr. Kichmond said 
the grace. The covers wore removed, and we enjoyed a very 
nice dinner, vario scrmouc. After iliniuT, the followiftg 
grace was sung by the whole company, standing: — 

•Wo thank thee, I.ortl. for this our foo<l. 

Hut morJt of all for »Tosn's Mooti; 

Lot manna to our souls l>o siiveu. 

The hivixd oi lil'o sciU down from heaven.' 

"At tliis part of the day, as many of the villagers as can 
ap]>roach the doors and wijidows are allowed to gratify their 
curiosity by observing the proceedings. After a glass of wino 
at our tables, and the simpler beverage of nut-brown ale at 
the tables on our right atul left, the steward for the day pro- 
posed a vote of thanks io Mr. and Mrs. Richmond, for their 
attention io the interests of the club. Tpon which, INTr. Rich- 
mond rose and addressed them at some length on the princi- 
ples of these societies, and ho had recourse to the triangle 
before-mentioned, on whose sides were written, *Faith, Hope, 
Charity;' and on the cross-bars, Olutual Support, Unity, Pa- 



' KtuvJij^ tic. lift r/,f(ijifi(:iii(:<\ on Ui<:H<t vvjf.li Inn iis;uai ftirnplic- 
-ly and pi';iy, r(;vr^.rtifj^ to the early history of the in.stitutioft, 
dUil urginfy tfie tutcjinniiy of keepinj^ those principleH hteajily 
j;i view, hoth in regard to their eonduet in tfie inana^';errjent of 
the society, and towards eacli other. Jfe dwelt also on i\y(i 
^nhjer.t of the perpduity of eh^hn, and the nece«hi<y of taking 
Mie cah'ijhj-tion of }iurn;in life* from more recent tahles than 
tiiose from whieh it liad hitlierlo been made; experience hav- 
ing proved that human life i» generally longer than had been 
nnppof^^d. I need not way he made himself underHtood; but J 
may add, that he gave to the whole discussion Kuch an air of 
interest, that all were drdj</lited, as w^dl as cAlilui^. 

'*A i'itw minutr;s aftf^r Mr. ]»j<*Jimond had rr^sumed his seat, 
the steward proj)Osed tlie thanks of the societies to the honor- 
ary inembers, for tlieir (-ountenance and support. Wiien thi*< 
/had passed, Mr. Grinishawe arose on the part of the honorary 
members. His address containe<l a strong appeal to their 
moral principles, and was heard with much interest. After a 
short interval, the ]fon. Jiytth^ton i*owys made a very impres- 
sive ad(iress. i lis remarks j;roduced a more than ordinary 
eflect upon the whole assembly, lie lield In his hand a nar- 
rative of a waterman, wIjo had f>lied upon the river Thames, 
and by his honest industry had been able not only to educate 
several of his relatives, and settle them in the world, but also 
to leave considerable pecuniary legacies to some pnblic relig- 
ious societies. 'J'his book he present^.d to Mrs. Richmond, 
with a retjuest that she should lend it to the members of the 
club, to teach them the blessings of patient industry, with the 
fear of ^jlod. 1 fe pointod out to them, in the waterman'« 
character, his conscientious observance of the Sabbath, in his 
steady refusal to ply on the river on tliat day. 

''What 1 said, 1 must leave you to conjecture. The happy 
countenances around me, — the beautiful effect of the pendant 
flowers, and the sweet union of ^young men and maidens, old 
men and children," filled my mind with so many jdeasing 
ideas, that i assure you 1 could not continue silent, nor refrain 
from contrasting the sconos of wretcliedness I had witnessed 
in the manufacturing districts of the north, with the comfort 
and tranrpjillity of 'I'urvey. 

^'1 have mentioned to you that i was present at several of 
these anniversaries, and 1 could not help observing that they 
were so managed, as never to present an uninteresting same- 
ness. Some new incident furnisiied a phrasing variety. On 
one occasion, the senior chaplain of St. Helena was present. 



78 MEMOIRS OP THE 

With a view to inspire contentment amongst the poor, he 
drew a lively contrast between their comforts and his own pri- 
vations in that island. He told them, that in consequence of 
the failure of the regular supplies of provisions, they were 
frequently reduced to the necessity of eating salted beef, as 
black and hard as the piece of mahogany which he held in his 
hand. After describing Buonaparte's residence atLongwood, 
he produced a lock of his hair, which was handed round the 
tables, and of course examined with eager curiosity. 

'^Without entering into further detail, I would make this 
general remark, — that so much cheerful sobriety, decorum, 
and good feeling were every where visible, as to afford a lively 
illustration of St. Paul's precept, — 'using this world as not 
abusing it.' 

"At the close of the meeting, Mr. Richmond requested a 
part of the company to drink tea with him at his own house. 
His conversation was carried on in the same improving strain, 
and was calculated to engage the attention of the younger 
clergy of his neighborhood, whom he frequently invited on 
these occasions. 

"In closing my letter, one subject of mournful reflection 
forces itself upon my mind. — These scenes are passed away! 
our dear friend is indeed gone to a more beauteous abode, — 
a pleasant paradise above; but the vineyard he has left, may, 
I fear, in some future day, be overgrown with weeds, and the 
anniversary of Turvey cease to present the same happy fruits 
to win our admiration, to console and improve our hearts. 
Yet many of the members of the Friendly Societies at Tur- 
vey are members of Christ. These will follow their beloved 
pastor, their father, and their friend, to that blessed society, 
whose members are 'no more sick.' 

"That you and I may be numbered with them, is the sin- 
cere wish of your faithful friend, Amos Westboy." 

The good effects of these societies were universally felt. 
The poor learned to enjoy hospitality without excess. An occa- 
sional intercourse between rich and poor, called forth affections 
and emotions of sympathy and kindness in the one, of respect and 
gratitude in the other. Instead of the usual scenes at such 
meetings, a cheerfulness and decorum without constraint pre* 
vailed, and a respect for religion gave a sacred character to 
the whole. It is remarkable, that for twenty anniversaries, 
though an instance or two might be selected, of persons retir- 
ing from the meeting to a public house, not a single instance 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND» 79 

of intemperance occurred at the school-room. Another good 
effect of these societies, was strikingly exemplified in the im- 
provement of the female character. A lamentable departure 
from propriety, previous to marriage, was general, before the 
establishment of these societies; afterwards, however, it was 
a rare occurrence. 

As might be expected, his exertions on the week-day con- 
tributed, in no small degree, to give effect to Mr. Richmond's 
ministry, and to attach the people to it. The church was nu- 
merously attended; the Sabbath became a hallowed day, and 
its approach was anticipated with lively expectation. The 
Gospel was preached with fidelity, and heard with deep and 
solemn interest. Many were awakened from a state of insen- 
sibility and thoughtlessness, to a just estimation of the truths 
which they heard from their beloved pastor. Instances were 
not unfrequent of sound and solid conversion; and even those 
who received little spiritual benefit, learned to treat religion 
with respect, and began to exhibit a decency of deportment. 
Vice did not lift up the head with its wonted effrontery, nor 
was sin committed with the same fearless unconcern, and 
disregard to its consequences. 

Another circumstance in the ministry of Mr. Richmond de- 
serves the particular attention of the reader, we mean the 
examination of candidates for the communion. It has often 
been objected to the Church of England, that her ministers 
admit to the Lord's Supper indiscriminately, and without due 
regard to the principles and character of the communicants. 
The charge cannot apply to a consistent minister of the Es- 
tablished Church. He is empowered, nay required, by the 
instructions of that church, to put in force her discipline; — to 
examine, to reject, or admit at his own discretion; subject, 
indeed, as it ought to be, to the approval of his superior. "* 

Mr. Richmond, as a faithful son of the church, and a no 
less faithful minister of the Gospel, endeavored to carry into 
effect the requirements of the Rubric, and the directions of the 
Holy Scriptures: 1 Cor. v, 7, and xi, 28. The person pro- 
posing himself for the communion was examined, and a year 

*■ It has been supposed that a clergyman exposes himself to a civil action 
for defamation^ by refusing- the sacrament to the most profligate offender. 
This is a mistake. He must^ indeed, render his reasons for rejection, to the 
bishop, through the churchwardensj but he is not liable to a civil action, ex- 
cept he publiciij assigns his reasons for refusal. He ought to pass by the 
rejected person, at the time of the sacrament, or warn him in private. The 
decision of the clergyman may^ indeed, be reversed by his ecclesiastical su- 
perior; but he does not expose himself to any process in a civil court. 



80 MEMOIRS OF THE 

of i)robation was rGcommended to him, for the trial of his 
sincerity, and the manifestation of it by a consistent and vir- 
tuous conversation. Perhaps there were few communions 
which exhibited a more satisfactory piety; and the attendants 
at the sacrament were, for the most part, the fruits of his own 
ministry, and the dearest objects of his heart: he was regard- 
ed by them as a father; they consulted him on all occasions, 
and received advice and sympathy in all their affairs, both 
temporal and spiritual. At once respected and beloved by 
''the children which God had given him," he, in return, watch- 
ed over them with anxiety, prayed for them with earnestness, 
instructed them with diligence, ruled them with mildness, and 
regarded them with the affection of an apostle: ''for now we 
live, if ye stand fast in the Lord." 1 Thess. iii, 8. 

While Mr. Richmond was thus fulfilling the duties of an 
active and laborious parish priest, he commenced a work, 
which justly entitles him to the gratitude of present and suc- 
ceeding generations. We allude to the 'Fathers of the Eng- 
lish Church,' a publication containing copious and impartial 
selections from the writings of our Reformers, and comprising 
a valuable mass of theological knowledge, illustrative of the 
doctrines of the Reformation. Nothing of the kind had ever 
been attempted, and, perhaps, few modern divines possessed 
the requisite means of information. 

The circumstance to which Mr. Richmond was indebted 
for his superiority in this respect, is singular, and deserves in- 
sertion. While he resided in the Isle of Wight, and shortly 
after his perusal of Wilberforce's 'Practical View/ which 
had eflected so striking a change in his own sentiments and 
character, a grocer at Newport sent him some trilling article 
wrapped up in a leaf of Bishop Jewell's Apology. His atten- 
tion was directed to the wrapper by one of his family, who 
jocosely remarked, "this looks as if it would suit you, Legh." 
He read the leaf, and instantly set off for Newport, to inquire 
after the remaining pages. The grocer, smiling at the anxiety 
of his clerical customer, replied, "O yes, sir, here they are, and 
I have a whole hogshead of these worthies; they are much at 
your service, for two pence a pound." The treasure was 
speedily and joyfully secured; and to this incident, trivial as 
it may appear, Mr. Richmond owed his extensive and pro- 
found acquaintance with the authors of the Reformation. 

It is, indeed, a humiliating consideration, that works like 
these should lose the veneration of posterity, and be treated 
with the contempt due only to the meanest productions of the 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 81 

day. It was an honor reserved for Mr. Richmond, to draw 
from obscurity the writings of those eminent men, who had 
shaken empires by their discussions, overthrown systems which 
centuries had struggled to uphold, and sealing their testimony 
with their blood, bequeathed a sacred legacy of pure doctrine 
to the Protestant church. 

At the urgent and repeated entreaties of several clerical 
friends, Mr. Richmond was induced to engage in this important 
undertaking. A prospectus of his plan was laid before the 
public in the year 1806; and shortly after, he commenced 
the publication of the work in numbers, and ultimately com- 
pleted it in eight volumes. It is impossible to contemplate 
the execution of so laborious a task, and not to assign to the 
Editor the praise of unwearied diligence, discriminating judg- 
ment, and acknowledged impartiality. The substance of the 
writings of Tindal, Ridley, Latimer, Cranmer, Hooper, Brad- 
ford, Jewell, and others, was thus rendered accessible to the 
theological student, at a time when the spirit of controversy 
was gone forth, and when a standard of unquestionable au- 
thority, and free from the bias of modern prejudices, became 
a desideratum of the very first importance. Since the above 
period, a considerable change of sentiment has taken place 
among us; and we have no hesitation in ascribing much of 
that perceptible return to the doctrines of the Reformation, 
which characterizes the present state of our church, to the in- 
fluence of this publication. It has been repeatedly referred 
to, and largely quoted, on the various subjects which have 
since come under discussion; and if sound doctrine be to the 
soul, what nutritious food is to the body, and the stream be 
purest as we approach nearest to its source, it is to the perusal 
of the writings of the Reformers and their immediate suc- 
cessors, next to that of the Bible, that we are to look, under 
the divine blessing, for the revival of national piety and true 
religion.^ 

From this brief mention of the ^Fathers of the English 
Church,' we are naturally led to the consideration of the 
doctrinal views and sentiments of Mr. Richmond, which fur- 
nished the leading topics of his ministry. 

* ^The Fathers of the English Church' are now no longer to be obtained 
in complete setsj but some of the separate volumes, which are distinct, and 
wholly independent in their contents, may be purchased, by application to 
the publishers, Messrs. Hatchard, Piccadilly, and Seeley, Fleet Street, Lon- 
don, 

8 



82 MEMOIRS OF THE 

He has often been heard to declare, ^Hhat two great 
subjects pervaded the Bible; — Sin, and Salvation from 
Sin; and that these ought to form the basis of the Christian 
ministry. 

In his addresses from the pulpit, he never failed to point 
out, distinctly and forcibly, man'^s ruin by the fall: — his con" 
demnation under the law, and his moral inability to deliver 
himself, by any j)oicer or strength of his own: — The divinity 
and incarnation of the Son of God: — Free and fid I justifi- 
cation, through faith in the atoning blood and righteousness 
of the Redeemer : — the nature of justifying faith, its fruits 
and evidences: — the agency of the Holy Spirit, in the re- 
generation and sanctification of believers: — and the neceS" 
sity of a renewed heart, and of holiness in the life, not as the 
title to heaven, but as a meetness for its enjoyment. These 
are fundamental doctrines, in which all true Christians with- 
out distinction of sect or party, cordially unite. They have 
been the food of the church of God in all ag-es, — the manna 
which has sustained her children in the many and diversified 
scenes of human trial and infirmity; — they have been the 
song of their pilgrimage, — their joy in tribulation, — their 
light in darkness, and their guide to life and immortality. 

In addition to the above-mentioned doctrines, Mr. Rich- 
mond adopted the views which are commonly called Calvin- 
istic; but not in that offensive sense in which they are fre- 
quently, though most erroneously, imputed. It is not the 
intention of the editor to enter here on the Calvinistic con- 
troversy; this is neither the time nor the place for such a 
discussion. He may offer a still better reason for his silence, 
— the conviction which he has long entertained, that the real 
question at issue, and the one in which the interests of true 
religion are most concerned, is not, whether the Articles of 
our Church and the sentiments of the Reformers, be more 
or less Calvinistic; but whether we spiritually understand, 
and cordially embrace those fundamental principles, the be- 
lief of which is indispensable to salvation, and to the well- 
being of every Christian community. 

These principles are stated with admirable precision, and 
strict adherence both to the letter and spirit of the Scriptures, 
in the 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th Articles of the Church 
of England, and must ever entitle her to rank among the 
purest of the reformed churches. Satisfied with the princi- 
ples there laid down, we may safely allow a latitude of in- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 83 

terpretation on points which, though deemed important by 
some, are not maintained by any to be essential to salvation. 

The following analysis of Mr. Richmond's mode of preaching, 
is submitted to the candid consideration of those persons, who 
have fostered prejudices founded on error and misrepresenta- 
tion; — prejudicies not wholly unaccompanied by a very culpa- 
ble ignorance, and which charity and truth must alike lament 
and condemn. 

As a preacher he was scriptural^ — experimental^ — pradi- 
caly — comprehensive, — powerful in his appeals to the con- 
science and addresses to the heart j — -fall of pathos and interest, 

1. He was scriptural, A rich vein of divine truth was 
diffused through his sermons. The Law and the Gospel 
were clearly and distinctly exhibited in all their character- 
istic features, and enforced to their respective ends. No 
doctrine was asserted which was not proved and established 
by a constant appeal to the authority of Scripture, with the 
contents of which he was familiarly acquainted. We would 
here remark, that no man can become a sound and enlight- 
ened divine, who does not give his days and nights to the 
study of the Oracles of God, accompanied by prayer and 
meditation. The connexion of solid piety with an intimate 
knowledge of the Scriptures is indissoluble. This forms, in- 
deed, the manual of every Christian, but belongs in a more 
especial degree to the minister of the sanctuary. It is the 
armory whence he must draw all his weapons; — it is the 
treasury whence he is to be supplied with every motive and 
every argument, which, through the grace and power of the 
Holy Spirit can fix conviction on the mind, rouse the torpid 
conscience, excite the affections of the heart, and elevate 
the soul to God. It is the sceptre of righteousness, by which 
he rules and guides the flock; the depository of every prom- 
ise that can cheer their passage through the valley of the 
shadow of death ; and by it they are taught the new song, 
which will animate their praises in the land of their inheri- 
tance. — ^'Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to receive 
power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, 
and glory, and blessing, for ever and ever. Amen." 

2. He was experimental. Divine truth, from his lips, 
was not a cold speculative statement; but was so interwoven 
with all the inward experiences of the human heart, as pecu- 
liarly to promote the edification of his hearers. He could 
appropriate the language of the Apostle, and say, ^Hhat which 
we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we 



84 MEMOIRS OF THE 

have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the word of 
life, declare we unto you." From the heart he preached to 
the heart, and seemed to enter into all its secret recesses. 
He detected the illusions by w^hich it is beguiled, — he traced 
human action to its hidden springs, — he accompanied the soul 
in the alternations of doubt and hope, of fear and joy, in its 
conflicts with despair and unbelief; till led to the foot of the 
cross, it was able to repose on the promises of God, and 
realize the sweet enjoyment of pardon and peace. 

3. He ivas practical. Some preachers are too exclusively 
doctrinal. Others are no less exclusively practical. Mr. 
Richmond avoided both extremes. He preached doctrine 
practically, and practice doctrinally. Both were in their due 
proportion: in their mutual dependence, connexion, and use. 
He connected precept with promise, and privilege with duty. 
As a spiritual workman, he considered doctrine to be the 
foundation, and practice the superstructure to be erected upon 
it; adopting the sentiment of one of his favorite Reformers, 
— ^^truly it is said, 'without holiness no man shall see the 
Lord;' but this I know, without the Lord, no man shall see 
holiness." Thus the doctrine, and its tendency; the opera- 
tion of the Spirit, and its gracious fruits; genuine faith, and 
its necessary consequences; holiness, and the means of at- 
taining it; Christ the Saviour , and Christ the Example; 
the insufficiency of works as a procuring cause of salva- 
tion, and their indispensable necessity not only as eviden- 
ces, but as glorifying God; these great and important truths 
were enforced with the fidelity of a Christian pastor, and 
with the wisdom of a scribe well instructed in the kingdom of 
heaven. 

4. He was comprehensive. Christianity, in his mode of 
exhibiting it, was a grand and comprehensive whole; while 
the symmetry of the several parts was faithfully preserved. 
He did not give to one part of divine truth any undue pre- 
ponderance over another. — Each truth seemed to be in its 
right place, and in its just measure and proportion. All 
the doctrines, and all the precepts, — all the promises, and all 
the characters to whom they are made, — all the privileges, 
and all the duties, were, in turn, the theme of his discourses. 
It is this beautiful order, and harmonious combination of all 
its various relations, that constitutes one of the characteris- 
tic features of a Revelation from above. And to present it 
under this form is that rare talent which all should endeavor 
to attain; and, when attained, it forms, so far as human in- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 85 

strumentality is concerned, the grand desideratum of ministe- 
rial preaching-. 

The well-informed reader will easily discern the old divine 
in this mode of proceeding. The highest Calvinist, in former 
days, took in the whole range of Christian faith and practice. 
Usher and others of the supralapsarian school, where as mi- 
nute and particular in explaining and enforcing the law, in all 
its ramifications, as they were full and glowing in setting forth 
the grace of the Gospel; and insisted as strenuously on the 
necessity and importance of good works, as the loAvest Ar- 
niinian. 

5. He was impressive in his appeals to the heart and 
conscience. No man better understood that part of a discourse 
which consists of the application. Some preachers are very 
deficient in this respect; either wholly omitting to apply their 
subject, or for the most part failing in discrimination. A 
discourse, to be profitable, must come home to our own case. 

Mr. Richmond, in appealing to his hearers, was faithful, 
searching, forcible, and impressive. ^^He reproved, rebuked, 
exhorted, with all long-suffering and doctrine;" but his ex- 
hortations were accompanied by the most affecting displays 
of the mercy, power, and grace of God in the gospel; and 
while his own experience of the truths he uttered, gave an 
authority and efiicacy to his words, God put his seal to the 
testimony, and crowned his labors with success. 

In presenting this delineation of Mr. Richmond's mode of 
preaching, the editor feels there would yet be something 
wanting, to give its complete character, if it were not stated 
more specifically, that the Saviour, in his various offices of 
Prophet, Priest, and King, was the grand theme of Mr. Rich- 
mond's ministrations. His excellence, like that of a skilful 
painter, consisted in so arranging all the subordinate parts of 
his picture, as to give due prominence and effect to the princi- 
pal figure. Christ Jesus was the soul of all his discourses ; 
and every precept, every promise, derived its force and value 
from its bearing and relation to Him. 

A style of preaching like this must be allowed to be singu- 
larly useful, combining all that is important and requisite in a 
Christian preacher. His ministry possessed two peculiar 
excellencies; — it was too practical to make an Antinomian, 
and too doctrinal to make the mere moralist. Antinomianism 
may indeed exist, notwithstanding the utmost precaution of 
the preacher; and a dependance on our own works is inter- 
woven with the very frame of our corrupt nature; but a 
8* 



86 MEMOIRS OF THE 

minister is only then culpable, when his mode of preaching has 
a direct tendency to produce either the one or the other. No 
man was ever more free from both these defects, as a preacher, 
nor any congregation more exempt than his own, from these 
pernicious errors. In that important branch of Christian 
theology, relating, to faith and works, where some preachers 
are most confused, he was most clear and scriptural. He 
laid the foundation in Christ alone, and in faith in his name; 
— a faith which was represented to be the gift of God, 
and the work of his Spirit; living, energetic, fruitful, and holy 
— not the cause, but the instrument of salvation; and he taught, 
that good works were themselves the subjects of 'promise, 
(Micah vii. 19); the necessary fruits and evidences of faith, 
but not the meritorious conditions, in whole or in part, of the 
divine favor. It may be thought, that where the necessity of 
faith and good works is equally admitted, distinctions of this 
kind need not be pressed with so much earnestness; but it will 
be found, that the right understanding of these distinctions 
involves the most important consequences. It is not a matter 
of small moment, whether we put cause for effect, or attribute 
to our own imperfect services, that salvation, which is the re- 
sult of God's free grace in Christ Jesus. So far as our own 
doings enter into the meritorious grounds of our acceptance, 
they destroy the character of the gospel as a dispensation of 
gratuitous mercy. ''If by grace, then is it no more of works; 
otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then 
it is no more grace otherwise work is no more work." — Rom. 
xi. 6. It has been said, that the poor, who constitute the 
larger part of a congregation, are unable to comprehend these 
theological subtleties, which ought not, therefore, to form a 
part of ministerial instruction. We cannot better meet this 
objection, than by a reference to the sentiments of Bishop ' 
Horsley: — ''Pray earnestly to God to assist the ministration 
of the word, by the secret influence of his Holy Spirit, on the 
minds of your hearers; and, nothing doubting that your pray- 
ers are heard, however mean and illiterate the congregation 
may be, in which you exercise your sacred functions, fear not 
to set before them the whole counsel of God. Open the whoU 
of your message without reservation^ that every one of you 
may have confidence to say, when he shall be called upon to 
give an account of his stewardship, 'Lord, I have not hid thy 
righteousness within my heart; I have not concealed thy 
loving-kindness and truth from the great congregation.' "* 
* See Charges of Bishop Horsley; p. 16. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 87 

We will merely add to this testimony, that the doctrines of 
grace are often better understood by the poor and illiterate, 
than by the rich and the wise. ^'I thank thee, O Father, 
Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things 
from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto 
babes," — Matt. xi. 25. The cross of Christ, which is 
declared to be, ^^to the Jews a stumbling-block, and to the 
Greeks foolishness," is, to them that believe, ^Hhe power of 
God, and the wisdom of God." — 1 Cor. i. 24, The recep- 
tion of divine truth demands not human learning, but poverty 
and humiliation of spirit. The learned are required to become 
as fools, and to enter the kingdom of heaven as little children. 
While to learning is reserved the honor of defending the out- 
works of religion, it is the happy privilege of none but the 
meek and lowly, whether learned or unlearned, wise or igno- 
rant, rich or poor, to enter in and be saved. 

After these extended remarks on Mr. Richmond's mode of 
preaching, which the importance of the subject seems to justify, 
we may now be permitted to ask, how we are to account for 
that prevalent disposition to represent ministers of Mr. Rich- 
mond's sentiments as preaching nothing but exterminating 
decrees, predestination, election, and reprobation; and as 
being incessantly occupied in proclaiming doctrines without 
practice, a God without love, and a faith without morality.'' 
Surely it is time to awake from this illusion, which first 
creates a phantom, then combats it, and afterwards gains an 
imaginary triumph over a no less imaginary opponent. Men 
should not be charged with consequences which they disavow; 
much less be accused, at one moment, of relaxing all the 
obligations of moral virtue, and at the next, of enforcing them 
beyond the bounds of reasonable strictness. If, by the lan- 
guage above alluded to, it is meant to attach the charge of 
high Calvinism to that portion of the clergy who are here 
intended to be specified, then we must reply, that high Calvin- 
ism is unquestionably not the prevailing creed of those to 
whom the term is often so indiscriminately and ignorantly 
applied. Many are known to disclaim the title of Calvinist 
altogether. Few, very few are disposed to climb its Alpine 
heights; and the general persuasion seems to be, that in the 
construction of the doctrinal articles of our church, there is a 
sufficient approximation of sentiment to prove a resemblance to 
the views of Calvin, and yet a sufficient distinction to shew 
that there is not an identity. Party names of any kind are 
highly objectionable and offensive in a cause so sacred as that 



88 ME3I0IRS OF THE 

of religion. Because they seem to give to erring man the honor 
and pre-eminence that belongs to God alone. *'Be not ye 
called Rabbi, for one is your Master, even Christ, and all ye 
are brethren: Call no man your father upon the earth, for one 
is your Father which is in heaven: Neither be ye called mas- 
ters for one is your Master, even Christ." 

But if a term be employed to designate the religious creed 
of the clergy in question, that of modified Calvinism is, per- 
haps, the most appropriate. They conceive the Reformers, in 
the composition of the Articles, to have discovered that happy 
medium of doctrine which is free from objectionable extremes, 
which gives to grace its freeness, and to man the responsibility 
belonging to a moral agent; and while it ascribes to God all 
the glory of salvation, charges the sinner with all the guilt of 
his own condemnation. The sentiments of that distinguished 
Prelate whom we have already quoted, are, on this subject 
also, entitled to notice. ''It has been the fashion," he re- 
marks, "of late, to talk of Arminianism as the system of the 
Church of England, and of Calvinism as something opposite 
to it, to which the church is hostile. That I may not be 
misunderstood in what I have said, or may have occasion 
farther to say upon this subject, I must here declare, that I 
used the words Arminianism and Calvinism in that restricted 
sense in which they are generally taken, — to denote the 
doctrinal part of each system, as unconnected with the princi- 
ples either of Arminians or Calvinists, upon church discipline 
and church government. This being premised, I assert, what 
I have often before asserted, and by God's grace I will 
persist in the assertion to my dying day, — that so far is it 
from the truth, that the Church of England is decidedly 
Arminian, and hostile to Calvinism, — that the truth is this, — 
that upon the principal points in dispute between the Arminians 
and the Calvinists, — upon all the points of doctrine character- 
istic of the two sects, the Church of England maintains an 
absolute neutrality; her Articles explicitly assert nothing but 
what is believed both by Arminians and Calvinists. The 
Calvinists, indeed, hold some opinions relative to the same 
points, which the Church of England has not gone the length of 
asserting in her articles; but neither has she gone the length 
of explicitly contradicting those opinions; insomuch, that there 
is nothing to hinder the Arminian and the highest supralap- 
sarian Calvinist from walking together in the Church of 
England and Ireland as friends and brothers, if they both ap- 
prove the discipline of the church, and both are willing to 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 89 

Submit to it. Her discipline has been approved, — it has been 
submitted to, — it has been in former times most ably and 
zealously defended by the highest supralapsarian Calvinists. 
Such was the great Usher; such was Whitgift; such were 
many more; — ^burning and shining lights of our church in her 
early days (when first she shook off the papal tyranny) long 
since gone to the resting-place of the spirits of the just."^ 

If by the charge of holding ''a. faith without morality," it is 
intended to arraign the doctrine of justification by faith, are 
those who make this charge aware that they are impugning 
one of the Articles of their own church, which expressly asserts 
this doctrine? — That it is illustrated at large, as we have al- 
ready proved, in the book of Homihes? — That it forms a char- 
acteristic ground of distinction between the Protestant and 
Romish churches; and is one of the fundamental principles of 
Christianity itself? Once more let us appeal to the authority 
of Bishop Horsley: — ^'That man is justified by faith, without 
the works of the law, was the uniform doctrine of the first 
Reformers. It is a far more ancient doctrine, — it was the 
doctrine of the whole college of apostles. It is more ancient 
still, — It was the doctrine of the prophets. It is older than 
the prophets, — it was the religion of the patriarchs. |" 

Nor can we omit the insertion of the following admonitory 
bint from the same quarter: — " Take special care," says that 
distinguished prelate, ^' before you aim your shafts at Calvin- 
ism, that you know what is Calvinism, and what is not; that, 
in that mass of doctrine, which it is of late become the fash- 
ion to abuse, under the name of Calvinism, you can distin- 
guish with certainty between that part of it which is nothing 
better than Calvinism; and that which belongs to our common 
Christianity, and the general faith of the reformed churches; 
lest, when you mean only to fall foul of Calvinism, you should 
unwarily, attack something more sacred, and of higher or- 
igin. J" 

After this almost involuntary allusion to polemical divinity, 
but which the nature of the subject, and the peculiar circum- 
stances of our own church, seemed to render unavoidable, we 
cannot close this chapter without a few reflections. 

It may check the pride and asperity of religious controversy, 
to remember that amidst the various attempts to unite man- 
kind, at different periods, within the bounds of one common 
uniformity of opinion, whether under the name of Luther, Cal- 

^ Charges, p. 21G-218. 
t Charg-cs, p. 33. 
i Charges, p. 220. 



90 MEMOIRS OF THE 

vin, or Arminius, or under the various subdivisions of the pres- 
sent day; all have alike failed in the establishment of an uni- 
versal standard. But it well deserves our notice, that, while 
each denomination claims a preference for its own peculiarities, 
God has given his blessing to all, wherever their aim has been 
holy, their efforts earnest, and the essential truths of Chris- 
tianity have not been violated. 

Where, then, God withholds not his blessing, man must 
not withhold his charity; and though union cannot exist without 
the essentials of religion, which are, — faith in Christ, and a 
conformity to his image, in a renewed heart and a holy life — 
jet, if these be secured, the union is not only practicable, but 
a necessary consequence: for, if we are members of Christ, 
we are members one of another. The more we imbibe the 
genuine spirit of Christianity, which is a spirit of love, the 
more shall we be divested of the shackles of party distinction; 
and be convinced, that the religion which is from above, is a 
religion, not of names, but of principles; not of forms, but of 
realities; not ''the letter, which killeth, but the spirit, which 
giveth life." "God is love; and he that dwelleth in love, 
dwelleth in God, and God in him."~l John iv. 16. "The 
spiiit of Christianity is Christianity. If this be wanting, the 
glory is departed, and nothing remains worth contending 
for."^ 



CHAPTER VIII. 

His talent for extempore preaching — Authority and expediency of this mode con- 
sidered — Family letters — Commencement of the editor's acquaintance with him 
— Public institutions— Vindication of their character, necessity, and usefulness. 

The principles on which Mr. Richmond formed his ministry 
have been laid before the reader in the preceding chapter; in 
which were stated, both the scriptural nature of his doctrines, 
and the impressive manner of his delivery. He never failed 
to attract a crowded congregation, and seldom preached 
without the most decided proofs of divine power accompanying 
his ministrations. He also possessed many natural endow- 
ments, which in no small degree contributed to his success. 
He was an eloquent speaker; but his eloquence was not 
labored and artificial, — it was the simple and glowing ex- 
pression of a mind deeply impressed with the importance of his 

^ Cecil's Remains. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 91 

subject, full of affection, and intent on imparting the same 
feelings to those who heard him. 

He used to refer his friends, who conversed with him on 
the subject of preaching, to the advice of his college tutor: 
"Don't use terms of science. The people have no abstract 
ideas,— they cannot understand comparisons and allusions 
remote from all their habits. Take words of Saxon deriva- 
tion, and not such as are derived from Latin and Greek. 
Talk of riches, not affluence, — of trust, not confidence. Pre- 
sent the same idea in a varied form, and take care that you 
understand the subject yourself. If you be intelligent, you will 
be intelligible." 

Mr. Richmond's successful application of these useful rules 
is well known to all who had opportunity of hearing his ser- 
mons. Though never offensively colloquial, he was well un- 
derstood by the most illiterate of his congregation; nor was 
he satisfied till he had explained an idea in every possible 
variety and point of view. On this account he sometimes 
seemed, to persons unacquainted with his design, to em- 
ploy a needless number of words. It was once pleasantly 
said, by one who heard him — ^^An excellent sermon, but with 
too many various readings." 

He was also singularly felicitous in imparting interest to 
what, in familiar phraseology, is called a dry subject. He 
was once known to preach an hour and three quarters,^ on 
the incidental evidences of Christianity. On this occasion it 
was said by a sensible man who heard him, — "This is indeed 
a magnificent sermon! I always thought Mr. Richmond a 
good man, but I now know him to be a great man." 

Mr. Richmond, as we have before noticed, possessed a fine 
taste, and an almost enthusiastic admiration of the beauties 
of nature. From these he often selected illustrations, and 
embellished his subject with allusions to them. He used to 
say, "There are three books to be studied, — the book of cre- 
ation, the book of providence, and the book of grace. They 
confirm and illustrate each other." 

These natural talents were consecrated to the service of 
religion, and gave an interest to his preaching, equalled by 
few, and excelled by none. 

*This sermon was one of a course of lectures on the evidences of Chris- 
tianity, preached at Ohiey; by the neighboring clergy. Mr. Richmond took 
his plan from the ^^Horae Paulinae," and applied Dr. Paley's principle to 
every book of Holy Scripture, with great ingenuity and success. It is much 
to be regretted that nothing remains of the sermon, except a few short heads 
of discourse, used by Mr, Richmond at the time of preaching. 



^1 



92 ME3I0IRS OF THE 



The editor would not be supposed, by these remarks, to 
lose sight of the induence of the Holy Spirit, without whom 
"nothing is strong, nothing is holy." He knows that the 
Gospel is a mighty engine, but only mighty when God has 
the working of it."* Yet is it most evident, that God is 
pleased to make human agency, the natural endowments and 
temperaments, as well as the graces of his servants, subserve 
his purposes; and in the selection of instruments, there is 
always a peculiar fitness for the work in which he employs 
them. 

The effect of Mr. Richmond's ministry was also consider- 
ably heightened by the fluency of his addresses. He adopted 
a method of preaching usually called extempore; without pre- 
meditation as to the words of a sermon, but not to the exclu- 
sion of much previous prayer, and labor in the arrangement 
of its materials. '^It is a singular circumstance," observes 
a friend of his early life, "that his first attempt to preach 
extempore^ in the very small church of Yaverland, in the Isle 
of Wight, was a total failure. He was so ashamed of it, 
that he declared he would not repeat the attempt; and it was 
only in consequence of the urgent solicitations of our common 
friend, the Rev. Charles Hoyle, that he was induced to make 
a second trial, when he succeeded beyond his hopes^ and never 
afterwards found any difficulty." 

As a proof of the eminence to which he afterwards attain- 
ed, we venture to introduce another anecdote. 

The late Mr. Whitbread went to hear him preach at St. 
Paul's, Bedford, in the year 1807, accompanied by a friend, 
who had expressed an earnest wish to be present. The 
church was remarkably crowded, — the preacher animated, — 
and the interest of the congregation strongly excited. The 
gentleman above alluded to at length observed: "He has now 
preached with incredible fluency, both as to matter and lan- 
guage for three quarters of an hour, and he does not seem 
even yet to be exhausted, or to be drawing to a close." Ex- 
hausted!" replied Mr. Whitbread: "he can hold on, in the 
same way, if necessary, for two or three hours longer." 

We avail ourselves of this occasion to offer a few remarks 
on the subject of extempore preaching. 

This mode of address, which has considerably prevailed 
during the last twenty or thirty years, however acceptable 
to some, is known to excite strong prejudices in the minds of 

* Adsims's private thoughts. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 93 

others. It is considered as an irregular and unauthorized 
practice; incapable of that well-digested arrangement, which 
ought to characterize a discourse from the pulpit; and as 
derogating from the dignity of the ministers of the Estab- 
lished Church. But this objection regards the execution 
rather than the principle itself; and it is the legitimacy, 
suitableness, and efficiency of this practice, rightly and fully 
improved, which forms the proper subject for consideration. 
Its legitimacy will most probably be thought by many to be 
the vulnerable part of the question; while the absence of the 
practice amongst the constituted guardians of our church, who 
are supposed to be the proper standards for our imitation, will 
no doubt be appealed to, as furnishing conclusive evidence 
against it. With regard to its authority, we insert the fol- 
lowing Mandate, addressed by King Charles II. to the uni- 
versity of Cambridge: — 

"Vice Chancellor and Gentlemen, — Whereas his Majesty 
is informed, that the practice of reading sermons is generally 
taken up by the preachers before the University, and there- 
fore continues even before himself; his Majesty hath com- 
manded me to signify to you his pleasure, that the said 
practice, which took its beginning from the disorders of the 
late times, be wholly laid aside; and that the said preachers 
deliver their sermons, both in Latin and English, by memory, 
without book; as being a way of preaching which his Majesty 
jiidgeth most agreeable to the use of foreign churches^ — 
to the custom of the University heretofore^ — and to the nature 
of that holy exercise. And, that his Majesty's commands in 
these premises may be duly regarded and observed, his fur- 
ther pleasure is, that the names of all such ecclesiastical per- 
sons as shall continue the present supine and slothfid way of 
preaching y be from time to time, signified to me, by the 
Vice-Chancellor for the time being, on pain of his Majesty's 
displeasure."^ Monmouth." 

''Oct. 8, 1674.'^ 

This document, which bears the stamp of royal authority, 
is sufficient to remove the charge of innovation: and so far 
from extempore preaching being, as is commonly supposed, 
the exception to the general rule, written sermons on the 

* See Statute Book of the University of Cambridge; p. 301. Car. II.; Rex. 
9 



94 MEMOIRS OF THE 

contrary are a departure from the original practice; for prior 
to the time of Charles I., extempore preaching was the 
usual mode of address from the pulpit, and the deviation 
from this custom is here expressly stated to be a declension 
from the zeal of former times, and to have had its source in 
supineness and sloth. A reference to Fox's Book of Martyrs 
plainly shows the practice of the Reformers. 

In the life of Bishop Latimer we are told, that ''he spoke 
with great freedom; and it not then being the custom for the 
clergy to write down their sermons, and read them, as they 
do now, to the people, what he spoke on a subject was full 
of sincerity, and flowed immediately and directly from the 
heart. ""^ With respect to the usage of foreign churches, 
the writer can declare from personal observation, that neither 
in the Romish, Lutheran, or Reformed Churches; neither in 
France, the Netherlands, Switzerland, or Germany, does 
the practice of using written sermons generally prevail; and 
it is a fact no less extraordinary than true, that England is 
the only country where it is known to he established. If 
again we argue as to the suitableness and efficiency of ex- 
temporaneous addresses, we might appeal to the powerful 
effect produced by them, both in the senate and at the bar. 
How could a Pitt, a Fox, a Burke, and a Sheriden in the 
one, and an Erskine in the other, have rivalled the orators 
of Greece and Rome, if the energies of their minds had been 
impeded by the restraints and forms of written compositions? 
And shall the divine and nobler cause of religion, which ex- 
tends to the immortal destinies of men, be thought less worthy 
of the sublimest efforts of the mind, and the most intense 
application of its powers? Has not the preacher of righteous- 
ness materials of a more ample range, and a greater stim- 
ulus to vigorous exertion than the advocate of a cause which 
affects only the interests of the present moment? But it may 
be asked, are all qualified to exercise this talent? We an- 
swer, let men be raised to the grandeur of the subject, in- 
stead of the grandeur of the subject being lowered to the 
level of the men, — let means be adopted to give more of a 
moral elevation to the education, principles, habits, and lives 
of the clergy; let doctrine be purified of its errors, and the 
ambassadors of Christ be more abstracted from the conta- 
gious influence of secular occupations, and the deadening 
eff*ect of too much worldly intercourse, — let the influences of 
divine grace be invoked to descend with their powerful energy 

* See Latimer's SemionS; 2 vols. 8vo.; 1758. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 95 

on the heart, and we shall soon find that preaching, whether 
extemporaneous or otherwise, will answer all the purposes of 
its institution, and religion regain its empire over the soul of 
man. 

We now subjoin some important authorities to sanction 
this practice. 

We quote the following from the life of Bishop Bull, for- 
merly the learned and pious bishop of St. David's. — 

"It was but seldom, and that upon some extraordinary oc- 
casions that he composed his sermon entire, and committed 
it to writing; which is the reason that he has left so few 
finished discourses behind him. His usual method was, after 
the choice of his text, to mark some words that were to be 
explained, in order to give the true sense of that portion of 
Scripture he had chosen to treat upon; and then he writ 
down some observations which flowed naturally from the sub- 
ject; and, under each observation, hints to illustrate it, and 
texts of Scripture proper to be explained, in order to give 
light to it; and then drew inferences from his whole discourse, 
by way of application. Thus he had only the scheme of his 
sermon before him in writing; and having in this manner 
secured the substance of it, he did, by custom and practice, 
bring himself to a great readiness and fluency in expressing 
himself upon all subjects; and if this manner of preaching 
wanted the exactness of more studied composures, it had the 
advantage of that popular style, which by good judges has 
been thought the fittest for the pulpit; from whence if men 
design to influence and persuade the generality of their hear- 
ers, they must condescend to use more words than are neces- 
sary in a strict sense; the same thing must be repeated often, 
and turned after a different manner, and inculcated with force, 
so that fresh and lasting impressions may be made upon the 
audience. What Mr. Bull delivered of this kind never 
wanted a becoming fervor; and he enlivened his discourses 
with proper and decent gestures; and his voice was always 
exerted with some vehemency, whereby he kept the audience 
awake, and raised their attention to what he delivered, and 
persuaded the people that he was in earnest, and affected 
himself with what he recommended to others. By these means 
he labored many years in teaching the ignorant, in confirming 
the weak, in quieting the scrupulous, in softening the hard 
heart, in rousing the sinner, and in raising the pious soul to 
a steady and vigorous pursuit of eternal happiness. And 
whatever he delivered, his words were generally fixed in the 



96 MEMOIRS OF THE 

minds of his hearers, as they parted from his own, full of 
"vvarmth and heat.""^ 

The next authority is from Archbishop Seeker. 

^'There is a middle way used by our predecessors, of set- 
ting down, in short notes, the method and principal heads, and 
enlarging; on them in such words as present themselves at the 
time. Perhaps, duly managed, this would be the best." 

The example of Bishop Burnet may also be adduced; and 
in his well-known work, entitled, 'The Pastoral Care,' many 
directions are given for attaining a proficiency in this practice, 
from which we quote the following for its excellency and im- 
portance. 

But the rule I have reserved last, is the most necessary of 
all, and without it, all the rest will never do the business; it 
is this, that a man must have in himself a deep sense of the 
truth and power of religion; he must have a life and flame in 
his thoughts, with relation to those subjects; he must have felt 
in himself those things which he intends to explain and recom-^ 
mend to others. He must observe narrowly the motions of 
his own mind, the good and bad effects that the several sorts 
of objects he has before him, and affections he feels within 
him, have upon him; that so he may have a lively heat in 
himself, when he speaks of them; and that he may speak in 
so sensible a manner, that it maybe almost felt that he speaks 
from his heart. There is an authority in the simplest things 
that can be said, when they carry visible characters of genu- 
ineness in them. Now, if a man can carry on this method, 
and by much meditation and prayer draw down divine influ- 
ences, which are always to be expected when a man puts him- 
self in the way of them, and prepares himself for them: he 
will often feel, that while he is musing, a fire is kindled within 
him, and then he will speak with authority and without con- 
straint; his thoughts will be true, and his expressions free and 
easy; sometimes this fire will carry him, as it were, out 
of himself; and yet without any thing that is frantic or enthu- 
siastical. Discourses brought forth with a lively spirit and 
heat, where a composed gesture, and the proper motions of the 
eye and countenance, and the due modulations of the voice 
concur, will have all the effect that can be expected from any 
thing that is below immediate inspiration: and as this will be 
of use to the hearers, so it will be of vast use to the preacher 
himself, to oblige him to keep his heart always in good tune 

* Nelson's Life of Dr. George Bull; Lord Bishop of St. David's, p. 59. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 9'7 

and temper; not to suffer irregular or forbidden appetites, pas- 
sions, or projects to possess his mind: these will both divert 
him from going on in the course of meditation, in which a man 
must continue many years, till all his thoughts are put in or- 
der, polished, and fixed; they will make him likewise speak 
much against the grain, with an aversion that will be very 
sensible to himself, if not to his hearers, if he has guilt upon 
him^ if his conscience is reproaching him, and if any ill prac- 
tices are putting a damp upon that good sense of things, that 
makes his thoughts sparkle upon other occasions, and gives 
him an air and authority, a tone of assurance, and a freedom 
of expression. 

^^Such a method as I have been opening, has had great 
success with all those that I have known to have tried it. And 
though every one has not swiftness of imagination, nor that 
clearness of expression that others may have, so that in this 
men may differ as much as they do in their written composi- 
tions; yet every man by this method may rise far above that 
which he could ever have attained to any other way,'^^^ 

We now leave this subject to the decision of the reader. 
Enough has been said to prove that the Church of England, 
in her best days, — in those of the Reformation, — and down- 
wards to the time of Charles I., adopted extempore preach- 
ing; and that the use of written sermons is coeval with the 
period marked by the first symptoms of a declension both in 
zeal and doctrine; we are therefore justified in expecting that 
a revival of pure religion will be accompanied by a return to 
this practice, as most suited to produce a powerful effect, and 
most in unison with the example of Protestant Europe. To 
those of the clergy who may feel inclined to make the attempt, 
we particularly recommend Burnet's remark, who advises them 
to make smaller excursions, before they indulge in a wider 
range. Perhaps in few cases would it be expedient for a 
young man to commence his ministry with extempore preach- 
ing, which requires much previous knowledge of divine truth, 
inward experience of its power, enlarged views, and facility to 
express them. Time and experience are necessary to form 
and mature a talent of this kind, as well as to provide suita- 
ble materials for its profitable exercise. A preacher will soon 
exhaust his resources, without a constant influx of new sup- 
plies; and repetition, feebleness, and barrenness of thought, 
will take the place of that varied and powerful exhibition of 

* Pastoral CarC; p. 232 and following pages. 
9# 



98 MEMOIRS OF THE 

divine truth so essential to the success of the ministry. Not- 
withstanding' our preference for extempore preaching;, we are 
not insensible to the defects to which it is liable. There is a 
danger of neglecting due preparation, of substituting fluency 
of language for solidity of thought. If there is a deficiency 
of taste in the preacher, he may degenerate into a style too 
colloquial, and his ideas and images may be unsuitable to the 
dignity of the pulpit. 

The old divines are no less worthy of imitation for the dili- 
gence they used in preparing their discourses, than for the 
soundness of the doctrines they taught. They placed no sac- 
rifice on the altar without invoking fire from heaven to descend 
and consume it. They thought, they prayed, they were mighty 
in the Scriptures; and it was a well-known saying among 
them, ^^Give not unto God, that which costs you nothing." 

''He that intends truly to preach the Gospel," says Bishop 
Burnet, ''and not himself; he that is more concerned to do 
good to others, than to raise his own fame, or to procure a 
following after himself; and that makes this the measure of all 
his meditations and sermons, that he may put things in the 
best light, and recommend them with the most advantage to 
his people; that reads the Scriptures much, and meditates 
often upon them; that prays earnestly to God for direction in 
his labors, and for a blessing upon them; that directs his chief 
endeavors to the most important, and most indispensable, as 
well as the most undeniable duties of religion; and chiefly, 
to the inward reformation of his hearers' hearts, which will 
certainly draw all other lesser matters after it; and that 
does not spend his time, nor his zeal upon lesser or disputable 
points; this man, so made and so moulded, cannot miscarry 
in his work. He will certainly succeed to some degree: the 
word spoken by him, shall not return again. He shall h^tve 
his crown, and his reward from his labors. And to say all 
that can be said, in one word, with St. Paul, 'he shall both 
save himself J and them that hear him.^ "* 

We now close our remarks on extempore preaching. But 
before we proceed with the narrative, we shall lay before the 
reader a few letters written about this time by Mr. Rich- 
mond, to his aunt and mother. They are not, indeed, con- 
nected with any previous or subsequent remarks of our own; 
but are here introduced to preserve the chronology of the me- 
moir. They are pleasing proofs of Mr. Richmond's affec- 

* See Burnet's Pastoral Care. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 99 

tionate attention to the claims of his own family, amidst the 
incessant demands of public duties. 

^'Turvey, January \0, 1808. 

"My dear Aunt, — Affection for one so long known and 
loved must indeed be asleep, if I did not hasten to express my 
tenderest concern on your account. My office and station calls 
me daily, in one place or another, to pour the balm of conso- 
lation into the wounded breast. I cannot, indeed, comfort 
you in person, but if I may be allowed to speak in my Lord 
and Saviour's name, I may often do so by letter. Indeed, my 
dearest aunt, I shall be happy, in any endeavor I can exert, 
to prove io you how affectionately I am interested in what 
regards your welfare, both spiritual and temporal. I am daily 
exercised amongst the sick, the weak, the maimed, the suffer- 
ing, and the departing; and am constantly reminded of the 
uncertainty of life, even from one day to another. What a 
glorious light has the word of God thrown on the otherwise 
dark and gloomy uncertainty, which would have overhung the 
prospect of eternity! How full, how free a provision has our 
gracious God revealed for the salvation of sinners who lay 
hold on his promises by faith. May you and I be enabled, 
under every trial and pang of soul or body, to flee to the strong 
One for help, remembering that "in all our afflictions he was 
afflicted." 

"May the recollection of every past instance of God's 
kindness lead you to trust in him, and to repose on his redeeming 
grace and love. May your prayer be constantly heard and 
answered, when at the throne of grace you plead what a Sa- 
viour has done and suffered for you, and supplicate for a heart 
thankfully resigned to God, let what will be his pleasure con- 
cerning you. I feel persuaded you will ascribe what I have 
said to a sincere affection, and a desire to contribute my mite 
of consolation under the trial which Providence has brought 
upon you. May you meet it with the true spirit of Christian 
fortitude. Sanctified afflictions are the Lord's peculiar mer- 
cies to those whom he loves. May your's prove one of this 
kind! Frequent meditation on the great change to which we are 
all daily liable, and to which the youngest are rapidly hasten- 
ing, — is highly profitable to the soul, and begets a watchful- 
ness and preparedness of mind for every event and circum- 
stance. Seasons of sickness and debility are peculiarly cal- 
culated to this end. They are often expressly sent, that as 
in the day of health and prosperity we are too prone to forget 



100 MEMOIRS OF THE 

the Author and Giver of all our blessings, these messengers 
of mercy may be the means, in his Almighty hands, of col- 
lecting our wandering thoughts and affections, and of fixing 
them abidingly on him. Receive these reflections from one 
who loves you, who wishes never to forget that he is a minis- 
ter of Christ, and always your affectionate nephew, 

"Legh Richmond." 

^'Turvey, January 29; 1808. 

*^My dearest Mother, 

''The return of this day* reminds me of life, death, and 
eternity; it reminds me of times past, and anticipates times to 
come; it reminds me of my dear mother also, and of the many 
affectionate sensations which the successive anniversaries of 
my birth have from year to year given her, arising from the 
mingled hope of good and fear of evil. Sometimes you have 
written to me on this day; but lest a letter should not be 
penned between us, I take up the quill to write to you. 
Accept my kind, tender, and dutiful assurances of filial love 
and veneration, and ten thousand thanks for all your cares 
and prayers on my account, for six-and-thirty years; nor ever 
let it be thought that I am insensible to what I owe you. 
Happy shall I feel, if enabled and permitted to contribute to 
the ease and consolation of your declining years, and to miti- 
gate the infirmities of old age, by the duly applied exertions 
of younger years! It seems but a little while, since I was a 
boy myself, returning home from season to season, to enjoy the 
blessing and comfort of parental and sisterly society and . 
affection at your home: and now I see myself surrounded by 
my boys and girls at my own home, growing apace and pre- 
paring to occupy the station in the world which we now fill up. 
It is an old and worn-out remark, 'how time flies!' Yet we 
cannot help all making it in our turn; we feel its force, and 
out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. One 
cannot help sometimes ejaculating with good old David, 'O, 
spare me a little, that I may recover my strength, before I go 
hence and be no more seen!' What a scene does eternity 
present! — the years of life past, — early connexions dissolved, 
— the secrets of all hearts laid open, — souls saved or lost, — 
Christ, a frowning judge, or a welcome Saviour, — all mistakes 
and errors in religion at an end, — every false foundation 
undermined, — a world in flames and consumed, as though it 
had never been, — time itself no more, — eternal ages of ages 

* His birth-day 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 101 

rolling on in ceaseless bliss or woe ? Who is sujBScient even to 
speak on these things? 

^Tray for me, that since the Lord has spared me another 
year I may not prove such a barren fig-tree as heretofore. I 
could look back on all that is past, and view myself as no 
better than a cumberer of the ground. But the gracious 
Vine-dresser intercedes, and his prayer is full of love and 
mercy; may the Owner of the vineyard hear, and answer it. 
I have been very unwell, but am now much better: the poor 
fig-tree is not yet cut down. May it bear fruit to the glory 
of the Father. Accept our love, and give it to those around 
you; and believe me, Your affectionate son, 

Legh Richmond.'' 

" Turvey, March 25, 1809. 

"My dearest Mother, 

"I do indeed most sincerely rejoice at your recovery from 
so severe an attack of your complaint, as that which you des- 
cribe. May a gracious God protect you under the shadow of 
his wing, and spare your valuable health, for all our sakes; 
may you daily enjoy more of a sense of the divine presence, as 
you advance in your pilgrimage; may you sometimes be fa- 
vored, from the top of the mount of Pisgah, with a cheerful 
prospect of Canaan; and always be supported by the trust that 
He who hath begun the good work in you, will perfect it in 
his own time. Your occasional doubts and fears, arise from 
too much considering faith and repentance as the grounds^ 
rather than the evidences of salvation. The truth is, that a 
weak faith makes the soul as secure, though not so happy, as 
a strong one: and an imperfect repentance, as we deem it, 
may be sincere, and therefore a work of grace. . Our salva- 
tion is not, because we do so well, but because 'He whom we 
trust, hath done all things well.' The believing sinner is 
never more happy nor secure, than when, at the same moment, 
he beholds and feels his own vileness, and also his Saviour's 
excellence. 

I the chief of sinners am^ 
But Jesus died for me3 

is the burden of his song. You look at yourself too much, and 
at the infinite price paid for you too little. For conviction, it 
is true, you must look to your own heart; but for comfort, at 
your own Saviour. Thus the wounded Israelites were to look 
only at the brazen serpent, for recovery. The graces of the 



102 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Spirit, such as love, patience, goodness, faith, &c., are good 
things for others to judge us by; but it is Christianity, as re- 
ceived, believed in, rested upon, loved, and followed, that will 
speak peace to ourselves. By looking unto Him, we shall 
grow holy; and the more holy we grow the more we shall 
mourn over sin, and be sensible how very short we come of 
what we yet desire to be. None are so holy as those who 
mourn that they are not more so. While our sanctification is 
a gradual and still imperfect work, our justification is perfect 
and complete: the former is wrought in us, the latter for us. 
Rely simply as a worthless sinner on the Saviour, and the 
latter is all your own, with its accompanying blessings of par- 
don, acceptance, adoption, and the ?ion-imputation of sin to 
your charge. Hence will flow thankful obedience, devoted- 
ness of heart, patience in tribulation, and quiet waiting for the 
glory of God. Thus, salvation is by faith alone; and thus, 
saving faith works by love. Embrace these principles freely, 
fully, and impartially, and you will enjoy a truly scriptural 
peace, assurance, and comfort. 

^' You would hear from my dear wife something of my inten- 
ded proceedings, during the ensuing month of May. She has, 
of course, told you, that I am to preach the annual missionary 
sermon, in London, on Whit-Tuesday. Mr. Robinson, of 
Leicester, preached last year. 

"I hope — will succeed in procuring an eligible resi- 
dence. How I wish they might fix near a truly pious and de- 
voted clergyman. The importance of this circumstance should 
never be forgotten in the choice of a residence, and is of far 
greater importance than many are disposed to consider it.* 

"May God bless, protect, and preserve you to his own king- 
dom. Love to Mr. and Mrs. H , from all here and from 

your affectionate son, Legh Richmond." 

* How many, who have a good support for their families, for mere pur- 
poses of worldly gain, remove to sections of the country, where the reg-ular 
ordinances of relig-ion are not found, and where schools and religious Insti- 
tutions are unknown. Thus their children grow up in ignorance and sin, and 
become a curse to themselves and society. How cheaply do such parents 
sacrifice the interests of the soul and eternity, for the riches of earth. 
We would not discourage emigration, but we would invoke every parent, 
not to choose his residence beyond appointed means of grace. It has 
pleased God, by the foolishness of preaching, to save them that believe. 

We would suggest the propriety of colonies of a dozen or more pious fam- 
ilies going forth to the more destitute parts, carrying with them all the relig- 
ious institutions of the day. New settlements thus formed, might not need 
afterward to be evangelized, but would themselves exert a salutary influencd-, 
on present and future generations. — Ainer. Ed. 1 V 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 103 

It was towards the close of the year 1808, that the writer 
of this memoir first became acquainted with Mr. Richmond; 
and as the circumstances connected with the occurrence were 
of a nature that led to a very confidential intercourse, termi- 
nating only with the decease of his revered and much-beloved 
friend, he trusts he shall be excused for briefly adverting to 
the subject. 

Soon after his entrance into the ministry, the serious charge 
first attracted his attention, that the Gospel w^as not general- 
ly preached with fidelity and correctness by the clergy. As 
this accusation was circulated in the neighborhood where he 
then lived, and he was included in the supposed number of the 
delinquents, it awakened serious reflections in his mind. 

Having adopted the profession of the church under a strong 
predilection for its duties, he was disposed, in the first instance, 
to repel this insinuation, with a deep sense of injured feeling; 
not wholly unmingled with indignation; and to attribute it to 
the prevalence of dissent in that particular vicinity. But the 
question immediately suggested itself, — Why ivas there a prev- 
alence of dissent; and did not this fact of itself constitute a 
grave and momentous charge, affecting the character and 
credit of the clergy? The fact, of the poor usually forming 
the larger proportion of the seceders, contributed in no small 
degree to rouse his conscience, and to call for deliberate and 
solemn inquiry. 

At that period, the religious views of the writer in common 
with those of many others, were of the following nature, — 
that we were to fulfil every appointed duty to the best of our 
ability, and that all deficiencies would be supplied by the merits 
of the Redeemer: thus making the sinner's salvation, principal- 
ly, the effect of his own merits, and considering those of the 
Saviour merely as supplementary to them. The corruption 
and entire alienation of the human heart from God, the ne- 
cessity of the renewing influences of the Holy Spirit, and the 
manner of their operation, were very inadequately understood 
by him; and consequently, very obscurely stated from the 
pulpit; and yet he was diligent in his parochial duties, zealous 
as a preacher of righteousness, and aimed at holiness in his 
life, without ever being able to attain what he so earnestly 
desired. After various attempts to satisfy his conscience, the 
suggestion gradually presented itself, that it was possible he 
might hold erroneous views, however unconscious of their nature 
and extent; and the awful words of the apostle, ''Woe unto 
me if I preach not the Gospel," began to fill his mind with 



104 MEMOIRS OF THE 

trouble and dismay. Not to dwell on a series of minor 
circumstances, the idea which was first admitted as a pos- 
sibilityy assumed the character of probahilily ; and, for a 
period of two years, his mind was kept in a state of painful 
coniiict; during which, many a prayer was offered up to the 
Father of lights, and to the God of all mercy; and the promise 
unceasingly pleaded, — ''If any man lack wisdom, let him ask 
of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and uplDraideth not; 
and it shall be given him." — James i. 5. 

At the expiration of this time, a dying friend sent him 
Romaine's twelve Discourses on the Law and the Gospel; 
earnestly expressing a hope, that the perusal of them might be 
as useful to him, as she had found it to be to herself. It was 
to this book that the writer owed the solution of all his diffi- 
culties, and the first clear and spiritual conviction of the mode 
of a sinner's acceptance before God; from it he discovered, 
that the law can never save, either in whole or in part, — that 
its office is rather to condemn, ''as the killing letter," and 
^'the ministration unto death," because it requires that perfect 
and unsinning obedience, which no man can perform; and in 
the absence of such obedience, pronounces the awful sentence, 
— "Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which 
are written in the book of the law to do them." — Gal. iii. 
10.^ Thus the law becomes "a school-master, to lead us to 
Christ," — that the condemned and guilty sinner may see the 
grace and glory of that redemption which is revealed in the 
Gospel; and disclaiming all self-dependance, may seek and 
find acceptance from the unmerited mercy of God in Christ 
Jesus. The work entitled, 'The Fathers of the English 
Church,' of which an account has already been given, was, at 
the same time, just published in numbers; and, from a convic- 
tion that none were likely to be better guides, in the right 
interpretation of the doctrines of the church of England, than 
those who framed them, the writer began to read the above 
publication with great interest. Shortly afterwards, he was 
removed to his present residence, at Biddenham, but not 
before he had been permitted to see some very decided fruits 
from his change of views, and from a more scriptural style of 
preaching. The parish of Biddenham not being further dis- 
tant from Turvey than six miles, he frequently heard of Mr. 
Richmond's character and proceedings; and having expressed 
a strong desire to cultivate his acquaintance, this wish was 
shortly after gratified. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 105 

As he was one morning engaged in reading the ^Fathers,' 
the name of Mr. Richmond was announced, and he immediate- 
ly entered the room. After a few general remarks, ^'Whatis 
the book, sir," he asked, ^Hhat jou are reading?" ^'The 'Fa- 
thers of the English Chm-cb,' " I replied. ''What is the 
nature of the work, and your opinion of its merits?" I ob- 
served, that I had been led by a train of circumstances to 
examine very minutely into the real purport and character of 
the doctrines of our Church, from a conviction that a great di- 
rersity of opinion prevailed on the subject; and that instead of 
being directed by any modern guide, it appeared to me to be 
the duty of a conscientious minister, to trace its doctrines to 
the writings of those men by whose labors it had been estab- 
lished. That a work had lately been published, professing to 
contain copious extracts from the writings of the Reformers^ 
which I considered to be a most invaluable performance; that 
I was deriving much benefit and edification from it; and that if 
it were read by the clergy generally, I thought it would be 
attended with very important consequences. Seeing a smile 
upon his countenance, I inquired, "Why do you smile, sir?" 
^'It is owing," he replied, "to the singularity of our conversa- 
tion; and you yourself will, perhaps, smile, and be surprised, 
when I inform you that the editor of the work, in the praise of 
which you are so earnest, is now before you." "You the 
author of this work?" "Yes," he replied, "I am the com- 
piler." He then related the facts that have already been 
recorded, as to the manner in which he first became possessed 
of the writings of the Reformers. The interest excited in my 
mind by this communication, and by the whole of the interview 
awakened a strong wish to cultivate a nearer intercourse with 
so valuable a character; and the foundation was. soon laid of 
an intimacy which the experience of every year increased and 
strengthened — the harmony of which was never interrupted 
for a day, an hour, or a moment; and which was the source 
of increasing profit, comfort and happiness, to its lamented 
close. Little did I think, when this first interview occurred 
with my estimable friend, that we were afterwards to be 
frequent companions in many a labor of love, — in many a 
public cause; and to share, with mutual sympathy, in the 
various events that have occurred since that period; — that I 
then saw before me the man with whom I was to be leagued 
in the closest bonds of intimacy, — that I should be called upon 
to officiate in baptizing his children, marrying his daughters, 
and burying two of his sons; and, finally, that it would be my 
10 



lOG MEMOIRS OF THE 

mournful duty, amidst the tears of his bereaved family and 
sorrowing parishioners, to perform the last sad offices for 
himself! 

Shortly after the above interview, Mr. Richmond was 
requested to preach at Biddenham. It was the first time that 
I had ever heard a minister of his sentiments. The clearness, 
the ability, and the impressive manner, in which he unfolded 
the great truths of the Gospel, — the earnest and affectionate 
appeals that he made to the conscience; the skill with which he 
discriminated the different classes of his hearers, the astonish- 
ing jBuency of his utterance, and the earnestness both of the 
preacher and the congregation, awakened in me a train of 
solemn reflections and especially on the value of public preach- 
ing, when conducted on such principles, and accompanied with 
such holy and devout affections. An intense interest and a 
heavenly fervor seemed to be depicted in every countenance, 
and to be felt in every heart. I shared in the same emotions, 
but they were accompanied by a great depression of feeling, 
and a conviction that I was wholly unworthy to enter the 
same pulpit; nor shall I ever forget the seasonable remark of 
a pious old man, on the following morning, who, in dwelh'ng on 
the excellences of the preceding day's discourse, observed, 
''The grace that God has given to him, he can give both to 
you and me; for God is no respecter of persons." 

The writer being called away for a short time, by some 
family circumstances; Mr. Richmond undertook to assist him, 
and supply the duty at Biddenham and at the adjoining parish 
of Stagsden. It was during this interval that he received 
from him the two following letters. 

Turveij, February 8, 1809. 

''My dear friend, — I sincerely pray that you may be re- 
stored to your parishes in that happy frame which may, 
under a divine blessing, render you to them, and them to you, 
a mutual comfort. A general interest and inquiry is excited 
in your whole vicinity, to hear you, and the word of God from 
your lips. May you be directed and enabled, by the Searcher 
.of all hearts, to preach Jesus Christ freely, fully, and effect- 
ually, both to unconverted and converted sinners. Do not 
shun to declare the whole counsel of God. Keep in mind that 
excellent rule I mentioned the other morning: 'never preach 
a single sermon, from which an unenlightened hearer might 
not learn the plan of Salvation, even though he never after- 
. Tvards heard another discourse.' Sin and salvation are the 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 107 

two grand subjects of our preaching; and they ought to be 
brought forward unceasingly, both doctrinally, practically, 
and, above all, experimentally. Preach from the heart, and 
it will always reach the heart. I always find that when I 
speak from the inward feelings of my own heart, with respect 
to the workings of inbred corruption, earnest desire after sal- 
vation, a sense of my own nothingness, and my Saviour's 
fulness, the people hear, feel, are edified, and strengthened. 
Whereas, if I descend to mere formal or cold explanations of 
particulars which do not affect the great question — '^What 
must I do to be saved?" — my hearers and I grow languid 

' and dull together, and no good is done. 

^^Many of our hearers have been accustomed to attend at 
various descriptions of meeting-houses. The general charac- 
ter of meeting-house piety is simple, earnest, scriptural, 
plain, and interesting, — the awful condition of a sinner, in 
his natural state, and the consolations aad promises of a 
Saviour are dwelt upon throughout their prayers and dis- 
courses. Thus far all is good; and we must do the same, 

] if we would regain or retain our congregations. Thus the 
fathers of the English church preached to our elders and pre- 
decessors; — thus preached Romaine, Walker, Venn, Ber- 
ridge, Milner, Newton, &lc. ; and thus souls were saved, and 
the church of England flourished, and was built up under 

t their ministry. May you and I do so likewise, and daily see 
the fruit of our labors, in the growth of our people in divine 
knowledge. 

"You see I speak to you with the freedom of a broth^; 
you have given me liberty so to do. I esteem you highly for 
it, and thank you for the confidence you repose in me; I only 
desire to use it to the glory of God, and the good of souls. 

■ Having some little experience in the ministry, and knowing 
a good deal of the character and circumstances of the peo- 
ple, both religious and irreligious, in this neighborhood, I may 
sometimes have it in my power to suggest hints, and commu- 
nicate information, that may be useful and satisfactory to 
you. But above all, pray fervently to God for a blessing on 
yourself, your preaching, your people, on the church of God, 
and last, though not least, on your unworthy friend and 
brother, L. Richmond. 

Tun^ey, Feb. 20, 1809. 

. "My dear friend and Brother, — I promised you an account 
;; of my proceedings with respect to your parishes, and now sit 



103 MEMOIRS OF THE 

down to fulfil that promise. My friend who engaged to as- 
sist me, having been prevented from coming here, I was 
under the necessity of fixing a later hour for the services at 
Biddenham, but it was perfectly agreeable to your people, 
and to many even more agreeable, than i( I had served your 
church at the usual time. 

^'Your churches have been overflowing as to the number 
of hearers, and I trust God will bless the work amongst 
them; I preached for you also at Biddenham on the Fast- 
day: — I had every reason to be highly satisfied with the gen- 
eral appearances of things, during the three weeks I preach- 
ed at Biddenham. Our truly Christian friends, the B.'s, did 
every thing possible to promote my comfort, and the general 
good of our holy cause. At two o'clock in the afternoon of 
the 12th ultimo, I arrived for the first time at Stagsden;* the 
whole school were assembled in the church, and a fine con- 
gregation. I preached a sermon on the opening of the 
school. When the service was over, I desired the children 
and their relations to come into the chancel, where I gave 
them a familiar address, by way of encouragement, and spoke 
to them individually on their respective duties. I yesterday 
went to Stagsden again, later in the afternoon, being unable 
to get there so early as I wished, and found a noble congre- 
gation indeed. After service I inspected the school, and 
made a few regulations for order and decency, which will 
await your approbation. I have been very desirous that the 
first impressions on the minds of the scholars, and that of 
the parish at large, should be, that it is a religious as well 
as a literary institution; and I think I have succeeded. I 
visited this morning two dying parishioners of Stagdsen, one 
at North-end, and the other at Bury-end. Both, alas! with 
little light. I have said and done every thing I could 
amongst the people to pave the way, as I trust, for your 
comfortable labors amongst them. I shall hope to see you 
as soon as you return, as I shall be glad to enter into fuller 
details of several little particulars which may be for your sat- 
isfaction, and that of the parishes. One day at Biddenham, 
I conversed individually with several of your parishioners, and 
was happy to find that some young persons have been seri- 
ously impressed under your ministry. Some others also spoke 
to me, and desired to be kindly remembered, particularly one 

* A neighboring village, the curacy of which was, at that time attached to 
Biddenham. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 109 

named . 1 propose going next week to see your 

Biddenham flock once more before you return. 

^^Having given you some account of your parochial trans- 
actions, allow me to express my earnest wishes for your spir- 
itual prosperity, both as it concerns your own inward expe- 
rience and outward ministry. I feel persuaded, that you 
will every day increasingly discover your infinite obligation 
to our common Lord and Saviour, who has led you by his 
grace, to discern between good and evil, truth and error, 
salvation by works, and salvation by grace through faith 
alone. I cannot help feeling an affectionate and brotherly 
concern and regard towards you, from having so exactly trod 
over a similar ground. I have known the difficulty of giving 
up all for Christ, — of ceasing to do and speak as the world 
around me did; — I have felt the necessity of denying myself, 
— taking up the cross, and following our Lord. I offer up 
my prayers, that your mind may be strengthened unto the 
clearest views of every essential truth, and unto firm resolu- 
tions to walk in the good old way of our forefathers. 

^'God appears to have prepared you a people for your la- 
bors, and they are anxiously awaiting your arrival. May the 
Lord give you many of them as souls for your hire! 

^^Allow me with all the confidence and anxiety which friend- 
ship and a desire to serve the interest of our great cause in- 
spire, to give it as my decided advice (founded on observation, 
and on the state of feeling and habit amongst religious people 
in general,) that you study even the prejudices of those amongst 
whom you may labor, against all worldly conformity, that might 
injure the weight and influence of your ministry. Public, and 
some private amusements, are viewed with peculiar dislike 
and disapprobation by good people in general. Those who 
Lave not been accustomed to converse intimately with that 
most respectable part of the community, the middle and 
lower ranks of religious persons, would hardly conceive how 
strong their feelings are upon those points which others often 
view as trivial. I merely mention these things, because I 
have myself found the necessity of attending to them, far be- 
yond what I at first supposed. I feel a deep interest for 
your happiness, and the success of your ministry. I view it 
as a matter of providential mercy, that you are thrown into 
this new situation, and trust great good will arise from it to 
you, and to the people. 
10* 



110 MEMOIRS OF THE 

'^I am much obliged by the friendly confidence with which 
you have treated me, and pray God that our intercourse may 
be truly blest. 

^'1 ought to apologize for so long a letter, but I have been 
insensibly led to be prolix. I shall preach, and visit the new 
Sunday school at Stagsden on Sunday next, and shall pay 
one more visit to your people at Biddenham, in the middle of 
next week; at the end of which I hope God will restore you 
in safety to 'your work and your reward.' May the free, 
sovereign, unmerited, and effectual grace of God, give you 
all spiritual blessings in heavenly places with Christ Jesus. I 
commend you to his high and holy keeping, and desire you to 
be assured with how great sincerity I am your unworthy fel- 
low laborer, L. Richmond. 

The writer of this memoir cannot help here observing, how 
much he recoonized the hand of Providence in leadino; him to 
a neighborhood which abounded with so many privileges of a 
religious nature, and where he found so experienced and use- 
ful a guide as Mr. Richmond. In his former residence, with 
the exception of an endeared friend, the want of these ad- 
vantages was highly injurious to his progress in the knowl- 
edge of religion. In this way we discover the goodness and 
wisdom of Providence, in the various circumstances and 
events of our lives, in appointing the bounds of our habita- 
tion, and placing us when and where his Almighty wisdom 
and love see to be most suited to the purposes of his grace, 
and of our own welfare and advancement in holiness. 

It was about this period, in the year 1809, that those 
great institutions, whose subsequent career is so well known, 
suddenly emerged from a state of comparative obscurity, and 
by a kind of simultaneous movement engrossed the popular 
favor and sanction, from one extremity of the kingdom to 
the other. Men were at length roused from their apathy, 
and seized with avidity the opportunity now presented of re- 
deeining the guilt of past neglect. On the other hand, feel- 
ings of disapprobation, or of more avowed opposition, were 
manifested in certain quarters, and ministers of the Estab- 
lished Church were subjected to much misrepresentation and 
censure, on account of their attachment to these societies. 
It seems, therefore, not irrelevant, in recording the life of 
one who was a most active friend and able supporter of these 
institutions, to oflfer a few remarks, in vindication of the mo- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. Ill 

tives whieh induced Mr. Richmond and others to afford them 
their zealous co-operation. 

The British and Foreign Bible Society first claims our 
notice. 

If ever there was a loud call for making an extended ef- 
fort to circulate the inspired Volume, it was at the period of 
the establishment of this society. At home the poison of 
infidelity had been propagated with singular malignity and 
perseverance; while a sufficient supply of the Holy Scriptures, 
the only antidote capable of arresting its progress was not to 
be obtained. 

On the continent of Europe, where this deficiency existed to 
a much greater extent, an anti-social and anti-religious con- 
federacy had long been actively at work,^^ and atheism itself 
had been proclaimed with the authority and sanction of law.| 
The moral restraints, so necessary to be imposed on the pas- 
sions of men, being thus withdrawn, a system of demoraliza- 
tion had gradually diffused itself throughout civilized Europe, 
and the great fabric of civil and religious society had long been 
threatened with dissolution. The attempt, therefore, at such 
a moment of disorder and confusion, to bring men back to the 
important sanctions of a divine Revelation, seemed to be noth- 
ing less than an act of heavenly interposition, and a visible ful- 
filment of the promise, that the gates of hell shall not prevail 
against the interests of the church of God ; — it was to erect 
the most powerful barrier against the future encroachments of 
infidelity; and, viewed in this light, it seemed like the bow in 
the heavens, the pledge that the world was not to be again 
destroyed by the overwhelming flood. 

It is a delightful reflection, that Great Britain was the first 
to stem the torrent, and, during a period of prevailing infidelity, 
to form an institution, whose object was to dispense the bread 
of life at home and abroad, to every nation under heaven. 

To effect this grand enterprise of Christian benevolence, men 
of all ranks and denominations, laying aside party distinctions, 
met on common ground, and exhibited an union hitherto unknown 
in the annals of Christendom; — an union of all hands and of all 
hearts; holy in its character, and yielding the fruits of right- 
eousness and peace; — an union, presenting to the world a new 
weapon to silence the vauntings of the adversary, and tending 

^ * See Barruel's Jacobin Conspiracy on this subject, and another work of 
similar character, by Professor Robinson. 

^ t A decree passed, during- the French revolution, in the National Conven- 
tion, declaring that there w^as no God! 



112 MEMOIRS OF THE 

to the fulfilment of the prayer of the divine Intercessorj— 
'^that they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in me, and I 
in thee; that they also may be one in us, that the world maj/ 
believe that thou hast sent me." John xvii, 21. 

Cheering as were the prospects afforded by this union of 
the Christian world; an union without compromise of princi- 
ple, and whose sole object was to lift up the standard of di- 
vine truth, that all nations might gather around it, — yet there 
never was an institution which encountered a more systematic 
opposition. 

It was maintained, and no doubt with all the sincerity of 
conviction, that the circulation of the Bible alone, unaccom- 
panied by the Prayer Book, the proper and authorized symbol 
of the Established Church, must ultimately prove fatal to that 
church, and yety if the Prayer Book be in accordance with 
the Bible, as the members of the Established Church believe 
and avow, does it not seem at variance with the allowed con- 
nexion of cause and effect, to suppose that a principle, in its 
tendency and design, can be subversive of that with which it 
is identified; or that the Bible, which propagates nothing but 
truth, and therefore is opposed to nothing but error, can pos- 
sibly lead to such a disastrous issue .^ It would certainly have 
been a strange anomaly in morals, as well as in argumenta- 
tive reasoning, for the future historian to have recorded, that 
in the sixteenth century the Church of England was first 
erected on the foundation of the Bible, and of the Bible 
alone; and yet that, in the nineteenth century, it was un- 
dermined and finally overthrown by the same instrumentality: 
thus exhibiting the extraordinary spectacle of a church subvert- 
ed by the identical cause to which it owed its original estab- 
lishment. The Bible, the Bible alone, says the immortal Chil- 
lingworth, is the religion of Protestants; and the Church of 
England has recorded the same declaration in one of her Ar- 
ticles. Its members, therefore, have nothing to apprehend 
from the circulation of the sacred volume. They have only 
to fear ^^the worm at the root," the decay of sound and scrip- 
tural principles, to obviate which the Bible furnishes the best 
antidote. 

But while the suificiency of the Holy Scriptures is allowed 
to be the doctrine of our own church, and the fundamental 
principle of the Protestant faith, another objection was urged 
at this time, with no less frequency, namely, that the union of 
such discordant materials (as they were called) as churchmen 
and dissenters^ would prove totally impracticable. Without 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 113 

' referring to the characteristic feature of Christianity, which 
is to unite all men into one holy brotherhood, we will here 

\\ argue the question rather as a matter of fact, than of specula- 
tion. The harmony of this union has now continued during a 

I long lapse of years, without experiencing any interruption; 
and it has owed its preservation to the uniform fidelity with 

- which the society has adhered to its fundamental principle, viz. 

f the exclusion of note and comment; — restricting its members 

J to the simple recognition of one great truth, — that the inspired 
volume is the common standard of faith and practice to all 
mankind. It is true that disunion in the councils of the society 

' has unhappily occurred, but it arose from other causes, which 

I we need not specify, because they are too well known; and 
it is not less known, that they were wholly unconnected with 
the union of churchmen and dissenters. The writer can also 
add his own testimony in the following remarkable fact, that 
during an intercourse of eight years' continuance with the 
late Rev. Mr. Toller, an eminent and amiable dissenting min- 
ister at Kettering, with whom he was associated as secretary 
to the Northamptonshire Bible Society, so numerous were 
the subjects of discussion in which they were found to agree, 
that there was neither opportunity nor inclination to introduce 

■ those in which they differed. Instances might also be enu- 
merated to prove the tendency of this society to soften political 
differences, and national animosities. Mr. Baker and Mr. 
Plomer, two rival candidates for the representation of the 
county of Hertford, first met together without feelings of as- 
perity, on the platform of a Bible Society, and after the meet- 
ing, expressed their mutual satisfaction in embracing each other 
as friends. In a similar manner, the late Mr. Whitbread 
seconded a resolution at the London Auxiliary Bible Society, 

' which Lord Castlereagh had previously moved; stating, that 
in such a cause he forgot the opponent, and recognized only 
the friend. Another interesting fact may also be stated. 
After the anniversary of the Paris Bible Society, in the year 
1826, the writer met a warm and distinguished friend of the 
cause, the Admiral Count Verhuel, who, two years before, 
had attended the great annual meeting in London, as the rep- 
resentative of the French Bible Society, and occupied a seat 
next to Admiral Lord Gambier. On requesting to know what 
were his feelings on that occasion, he replied, '^I remember 
the time when Lord Gambier and myself could not have stood 
so near each other, without each holding a sword in our hands. 
At that time we did not feel the want of our swords; we suffered 



114 MEMOIRS OF THE 

them to remain in the scabbard; we had no sword, but the 
sword of the Spirit, and Hhe sword of the Spirit is the word 
of God.' " '^Would it not, I added, ''be a matter of regret 
to you to be again engaged in war with Great Britain?" ''I 
should always," he answered, "regret to be at war with a 
country that is so nobly engaged in sending the Gospeh of 
peace throughout the world." 

Anecdotes like these are the best refutation of objections 
such as we have already enumerated. A uniting principle 
cannot possibly be a bad principle; the spirit of love is the 
spirit of Christ and of true religion; while prejudice contracts 
the heart, and fills the mind with injurious surmises; it finds 
a vulnerable part in every limb of an Achilles, and a defect 
and blemish in every feature of a Venus. 

The Church Missionary Society next merits attention. 
That we may duly appreciate the motives which led to the 
establishment of this institution, it is necessary to state, that, 
prior to its formation, the only society in the Church of Eng- 
land, exclusively devoted to missionary objects, was the so- 
ciety for the propagation of the Gospel in Foreign parts. 
Though this designation seemed to imply a character of uni- 
versality in its labors, they were, in fact, restricted to the 
British colonies in North America. In addition to this lim- 
ited scene of exertion, the Society for promoting Christian 
Knowledge united with its other operations the charge and 
superintendence of the Danish mission at Tranquebar, and the 
field of labor formerly occupied with such distinguished success 
by the apostolic Swartz; and yet their laborers did not exceed 
four or five in number; while so inadequate were the funds 
for the support of this undertaking, that the missionaries were 
accustomed to contribute towards its expenses from their own 
salary, and sometimes even from their personal property. Such 
was the extent of missionary exertion in the church of Eng- 
land about the beginning of the present century. 

With the knowledge of these facts, it appeared to several 
pious and reflecting minds, that an effort ought to be made, 
more commensurate with the credit and dignity of the Estab- 
lished Church, the claims of the Heathen, and the ample fa- 
cilities possessed by this country for communicating the bless- 
ings of the Gospel. Without therefore, presuming to impeach 
existing societies for neglecting a field of labor which they 
never undertook to cultivate, duty loudly demanded a vigorous 
effort to rouse the dormant energies of the public and to 
stimulate British Christians to dispense that Gospel which the 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 115 

providence and grace of God had entrusted to their hands. 
The appeal was made, nor was it made in vain; and the 
Church Missionary Society, forming its plans on the doctrine 
and discipline of the Church of England, commenced its ca- 
. reer, by selecting Africa and the East as the scene of its 
operations. 

It is due to this society to state, that, considering the diffi- 
« culties it had to encounter, both at home and abroad, all its 
proceedings have been marked by singular judgment, uniform 
Christian conciliation, a well regulated and chastised zeal, 
and that which forms the real and effective weapon of all mis- 
sionary enterprise, — a spirit of humility, and faith in the 
power and promises of God. It is also no small praise, that 
this society was the first in the Church of England that ever 
attempted to repair the wrongs of injured Africa^ by confer- 
ring upon it the blessings of the Gospel: — and the first that 
wiped away the reproach from our churchy of having never 
sent laborers from among her own sons^ to go forth in the 
cause of the Heathen. We may however now refer with 
emotions of gratitude and praise, to her missionary seminary, 
to the living witnesses of reviving piety, and to those who 
have already finished their course with joy, after having borne 
the heat and burden of the day, leaving others to reap the 
harvest which they sowed in tears. Such were Martyn, and 
Johnson, and Brooks, and Palmer, and others like-minded; of 
whom we may exclaim, "these all died in faith, not having 
received the promises, but having seen them afar off*, and were 
persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that 
they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." Heb. xi, 13. 
This Society is at present honored with the sanction of nine 
of the prelates of the church. 

The Society for promoting Christianity among the Jews 
owes its origin to the conviction, that, amidst the prevailing 
desire to extend the blessings of the Gospel to the world at 
large, the exclusion of the ancient people of God was an act 
unauthorized and unjust. The divine command is positive 
and express, '^Go and preach the Gospel to every creature,^'^ 
' The Jew, therefore, must be supposed to be included in this 
command, and to have all the common claims of the Hea- 
then, with the prior rights of the Jew. The order emphat- 
ically given, was 'Ho begin at Jerusalem ;^^ and the Gospel 
is represented to be the power of God, "to the Jew first, 
I and also to the Greek." The assertion that the Jews are 
not to be converted by human agency, but by some extraor- 



116 MEMOIRS OF THE 

dinary display of Almighty power, — that the time is not yet 
come, — that they are in a state of judicial blindness, and too 
degraded to encourage any reasonable hope for their conver- 
sion, forms no ground for the neglect of the divine command. 
The Jew is an alien from God, and needs mercy; and it is 
this need, and the authority of a divine command, that consti- 
tute his right to the offer, — if he reject it, the responsibility 
is his own, — if the offer be withheld, the responsibility is ours; 
because it is not the secret purpose of God, but his declared 
will, that is the basis and rule of our conduct. The difficul- 
ties of the attempt may be alleged, but difficulties form no jus- 
tification for disobeying a divine command. Besides, what 
are difficulties in the hand of Omnipotence! What is moral 
darkness to him, that can turn darkness into the light of 
noon-day! 

At the very moment in which we are now writing, the ex- 
traordinary signs of the times, and the gradual waning of the 
Crescent on the shores of the false prophet, give a character 
of intense interest to the future destinies of the Jewish na- 
tion. If the grand crisis, indicated by prophecy, to which 
the servants of God look with anxious solicitude, should in- 
deed be approaching; who does not see, in the events which 
will probably follow that crisis, the removal of an apparent 
barrier to the accomplishment of the purposes of God respect- 
ing his ancient people? It is true that the 'Himes and sea- 
sons the Father hath reserved in his own hands," nor is it 
for erring mortals presumptuously to intrude into the secrets 
of his counsel. But as the Almighty has connected the ful- 
filment of his purposes with the agency of certain causes, — 
when this agency seems to be exerted, we may turn with joy- 
ful hope, and hail the hour of Israel's salvation. ''There 
shall come out of Zion the Deliverer, who shall turn away 
ungodliness from Jacob." 

Nor ought we to omit, as a most powerful argument in 
favor of this society, that the promises will never receive 
their final accomplishment, nor the Church of Christ attain 
to the full maturity of its high and holy calling, till the nat- 
ural branches be again grafted in by the same Almighty 
power which suffered their excision. 

It is, however, important to state distinctly, that this so- 
ciety does not take its sanction from the prophecies w^hich re- 
spect the final restoration of the Jews. Nor does it pre- 
sume to determine in what manner, or at what period, the 
Jews, as a nation, are to be converted; whether by some 
miraculous interposition, or by human instrumentality, or by 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 117 

both. These subjects it leaves to every man's private 
judgment, and is not responsible for the peculiar sentiments 
of any of its advocates. It acts on the simple principle of 
precept and duty; — that the Jew has long rejected the faith 
of Christ, and yet cannot be saved without it; and that it is 
our bounden obligation, as Christians, to direct him to the 
remedy which ive possess, and which he needs. This is the 
foundation on which the society prefers its claim. The re- 
vealed purpose and design of God is an encouragement to 
its faith, but it is his divine command alone w4iich is the rule 
and authority for its undertaking. So long as it adheres to 
this fundamental principle, it occupies a station from which 
no sophistry or ingenuity of argument can dislodge it. If it 
departs from this simple principle, and in its public proceed- 
ings, shall ever be led to mingle matters of doubtful dispu- 
tation, it may gratify the predilections of a few, but will not 
fail to alienate others. The society's strength and wisdom 
is evidently to adopt a course in v^hich none can disagree, and 
all may be willing to unite. 

There is another institution which demands our notice, — 
the Prayer-book and Homily Society. In the navy, no m.eans 
existed of distributing the book of Common Prayer among 
that valuable body of men who risk their lives for the defence 
of their country. The society was formed to supply this de- 
ficiency. But, independently of this call for its exertions, 
Prayer-books were generally published and circulated at that 
time, without the insertion of the Articles of our Church;-— 
those Articles which are the appointed standard of her doc- 
trine, the guide to her worshippers, and the intended se- 
curity against all declensions and corruptions in her faith! 
As a consequence of this omission, a large portion of her 
members were utterly unacquainted with the very existence 
of those Articles, — and a reference to them in the pulpit had 
become a matter of rare occurrence. 

We may further observe, that 7iot a single copy of the hook 
of Homilies was to he ohtained through the medium of any 
existing society in the Church of England. And yet these 
very Homilies were set forth by authority, originally appoint- 
ed to be read in churches by the ministers, diligently and 
distinctly; and are recognized in the Articles, to which every 
minister declares his solemn assent, as ^^containing a godly 
and wholesome doctrine!" When, therefore, these neces- 
sary bulwarks of our church, the Articles which record her 
faith, and the Homilies which illustrate and enforce it^ were 
11 



118 MEMOIRS OF THE 

thus allowed to remain almost inaccessiblcj we would ask of 
every impartial and reflecting mind^ whether there was not 
just ground of apprehension that the purity of Christian doc- 
trine might be ultimately corrupted? — whether the general 
tone of preaching in our pulpits at that time, and before that 
time, did not, in many respects, justify that apprehension? — 
and whether doctrine was not treated as an inconsiderable 
part of Christianity, and practical duties held up as the sum 
and substance of true religion? At the suggestion, therefore, 
of Mr. Richmond, the book of Homilies was added to the so- 
ciety's original object. 

The unpromising state of public feeling, prior to the estab- 
lishment of these societies, has already been adverted to. 
The change subsequently produced is obvious to all. We 
may hence learn an important lesson: — a nation, compara- 
tively speaking, may be sunk in religious apathy; the zeal 
and piety of churches may lie dormant, and the prospect may 
appear dark and lowering. But amidst general declensions, 
some characters are always preserved by the power and 
grace of God from the contaminating efl*ects of surrounding 
lukewarmness; and it is to their efforts that we must look, 
at such times, for the needed revival. If it be asked, how 
are these efforts to be employed? We answer, strike the 
rock, and never doubt that the copious stream will issue forth: 
— use the necessary means^ in dependance upon a divine pow- 
er, and let the public mind be roused and excited. Men have 
intelligence, affections, conscience, and capacities of action. 
These properties may grow torpid, but they are not extin- 
guished; they require only to be called into action. Let us 
deal, then, with men as moral agents. Let us address to 
the understanding, arguments calculated to inform and con- 
vince; — to the heart what is likely to impress and engage its 
affections; — and to the conscience what is best suited to 
rouse it from its state of torpor. Let us apply the exciting 
principle, and be unwearied in invoking the influences of the 
Holy Spirit, which can alone crown our efforts with succesSj^ 
and God ''will open rivers in high places, and fountains tjj 
the midst of the rallies; he icill make the icilderness a pool of 
water, and the dinj land springs of loatery 

Let churches and states, legislators and prelates, ministers 
of the sanctuary, and individuals in their respective families, 
adopt this principle; and communities will prosper, churches 
will revive, and the domestic altar will never want a sac^ 
rifice; nor God withhold a blessing. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 119 

And yet it is this very principle of excitement, as applied 
to the religious institutions of the day, which has been most 
strongly censured. The system of public meetings, the ad- 
dresses, sermons, biblical and missionary tours, have been 
made the subject of severe reprehension by the opponents of 
these societies. But it is this very system which has elicited 
the moral energies of the country, and given one simultaneous 
and unparalleled impulse to all its public institutions. By its 
direct or indirect tendency, it has localized among us every 
form of charity that can afford an asylum to distress, — to 
crime, the means of reformation,-— to ignorance, the benefit of 
instruction, — and to penitent guilt, the hope of mercy and 
salvation. And while it has conferred such blessings at 
home, it has procured for our land the honorable appellation of 
^^The Zion of the whole earth." It is to the publicity of 
these societies, next to their intrinsic value and importance, 
that we are to ascribe so large a portion of their popularity 
and success. If they were less public, they would be less 
known; if they were less known, they would be less supported; 
and if they were less supported, their efficiency would be pro- 
portionably impaired. An institution, to be popular in this 
country, must be brought into contract ivith public opinion. 
The men who conduct it must be seen^ heard, hnown, lovedy 
and respected; the subject of it must be carried home to the 
heart, and descend through all the various gradations in 
society; be as accessible to the poor as to the rich, — to the 
unlearned, as to the learned, — to the humblest cottage, as to 
the lordly mansion. It will thus secure the patronage and 
liberality of the wealthy, the approbation of the wise, and the 
benediction of the poor. These advantages have pre-eminently 
distinguished the institutions of which we are speaking; and 
so long as the principle of publicity characterizes almost every 
undertaking of a secular nature, why are religious objects 
alone to be debarred the benefit of this principle, where the 
application of strong stimulants is the more necessary, in pro- 
portion as the end proposed is more momentous, and men are 
less disposed to appreciate its importance? 

But Mr. Richmond, and others of the clergy who have been 
most active in supporting these institutions, have been charged 
with absenting themselves from their parishes, and have been 
branded with the title of itinerants. Nothing is more easy 
than to use terms of reproach; but reproach is not argu- 
ment. The real and only question for consideration is, 
whether Christianity is a dispensation, the blessings of which 



120 MEMOIRS OF THE 

we are commanded to publish to all mankind? — whether this 
object can be accomplished without the medium of public 
societies? — and whether public societies can be effectively, 
carried on without the agency of public advocates ? The result 
of experience is conclusive, that societies of this kind, depending 
only on local means for their support, are in the most declining 
state. Men, too, who are in the habit of contributing their 
money to a public cause, think, and with justice, that they are 
entitled, in return, to a detail of its operations, from those 
who by their connexion with the parent institution, and the 
sources to which they have access, are best qualified to com- 
municate information. Admitting, then, the justness of these 
remarks, — from what class are public advocates to be selected? 
From among laymen or ministers? The professional habits, 
experience, and education of the latter, evidently constitute 
them the fittest organs of communication to all religious institu- 
tions. How to reconcile these public exertions with parochial 
duties, is, therefore, the only remaining consideration. Let 
it be observed, then, that every clergyman is legally entitled 
to an absence of three months in every year on the presump- 
tion that he will provide a proper substitute. "^ If, then, a 
minister unconnected with public objects, should choose to 
avail himself of this privilege, for the purpose of allowable 
recreation, or from any other motive, would his conduct be 
considered as affording any reasonable ground for reproach? 
Why, then, should another minister, in the exercise of the 
same privilege, and using the same precautions, be the subject 
of animadversion, because, instead of appropriating the allotted 
period to a watering place, or to any other object, his princi- 
ples and conscience lead him to devote his leisure to the more 
important claims of a religious institution. 

Each itinerates; each is occasionally absent from his parish; 
— with this distinction, that one is occupied with engagements 
most interesting to himself; the other consecrates his time, 
his talents, and his strength, to the service of the cause of 
God, and leaves for a while the limited, though important 
scene of his own parish, to aid in the dissemination of light 
and knowledge to the remotest regions of the earth. 

Another charge urged, with equal injustice, against these 
societies, is, thsithey assume an authority ivith which they are 
not legally investedy that they are self- constituted and self- 
authorised. As this accusation has been often and publicly 

* This has reference to ministers of the established church. — Amer, Ed^ 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 121 

repeated and may seem to have acquired some validity from 
the occasions on which it has been uttered, it must not pass 
unnoticed. 

The Church Missionary Society, as well as others of 
recent origin in the Established Church, was a voluntary 
associatioriy founded on the principle, and resting on the basis, 
of all other similar associations; and, therefore, to impeach 
i)ne is to impeach all, and to strike at the root of every 
voluntary association throughout the kingdom. 

If it be said, that it is its religious character, and its 
usurpation of rights that can only be legally exercised by 
chartered bodies, that forms the real ground of offence; — 
this charge will be found to militate equally against the claims 
of another venerable society, which, though aiming at a 
Ireligious end, nevertheless owes its origin to a voluntary 
association, and possesses no chartered right, nor specific 
legal character, to the present hour. The weapon, therefore, 
that is raised to assault a foe, may unconsciously inflict a 
wound upon a friend. 

We might rest the question of authority simply on the 
ground of imperious necessity^ which is a law in itself super- 
seding all other considerations. The appalling character of 
the times, the wants of mankind, and the inadequacy of 
existing means, loudly called for the establishment of these 
societies. We might also urge, that the power and the will 
to do good constitute the authority to do good; and that, so 
long as souls are immortal, the first duty of christian zeal is to 
employ means to save them. But we content ourselves by 
referring to an authority against which there is no appeal, — 
the authority of public opinion; that public opinion which 
exercises its vigilant control over all human proceedings; 
which legislates both for Governments and Churches; and 
erects a tribunal to the decisions of which the throne and the 
altar are alike compelled to be ultimately subject. To 
arraign, therefore, these public institutions, is in fact to ar- 
raign public opinion, which has decided that they were needed, 
and has thought proper to sanction them by its support; and 
so long as it honors them with such tokens of its confidence, 
and makes them the depositories of its bounty, it surely 
becomes a paramount obligation to fulfil the trust. To act 
otherwise, would be to shrink from a duty, while in pos- 
session of the means of performing it; to alienate a friend, 
perhaps without the hope of gaining an enemy. It is to 
withdraw, when success encourages us to advance; and to 
sound a retreat, with the pledges of spiritual conquest in our 
11* 



122 MEMOIRS OF THE 



^H 



hands. It is to commit a double fraud; a fraud on those 
at home^ who are willing to give; — and on those abroad^ who 
are no less willing to receive. It is to abandon scenes of 
labor which God has specially honored with his blessing; and 
to extinguish the light of the Gospel where it has begun to 
shed its dawn, with the glorious and animating prospect of 
"shining more and more unto the perfect day." 

We lament any disposition to depreciate societies, which 
confer so much lustre on the present age, and which are 
so eminently calculated to uphold the moral dignity of our 
Church, and to extend its usefulness. The period no longer 
exists, when the name alone of the Church of England was 
sufficient to inspire respect and homage. Prescriptive rights 
are vanishing; the partition wall is thrown down; and hence- 
forth we must appeal, not to the number and extent of our 
immunities, but to the utility of our services, and the excel- 
lency of our principles. In the present day, every thing is 
undergoing the solemn ordeal of public opinion. To oppose 
its decisions is unwise in policy, impracticable in its object 
and highly injurious to the Church, the interests of which we 
profess to promote. We may plead zeal in her cause, but 
zeal without charity is intolerance; and prejudices, which are 
blamable in all, are criminal in the minister of Christ. We 
may think that we thus are doing God service, and at the 
same time be fighting against him. We would earnestly call, 
then, on the members of our own communion, and especially 
on the younger clergy, (while in the vigor of their strength, 
and their full capacity for usefulness), to imbibe the spirit of 
the age in which they live; to co-operate in these truly 
Christian efforts, and to recognize the finger of God in their 
design and progress. Nor can we refrain from expressing the 
ardent wish, that prejudices may be removed, dissensions 
cease, and that all Christian people would offer up unceasing 
prayer to the Almighty, for his spirit to become the workman 
of this mighty machinery unto his own glory, and the moral 
regeneration of mankind. "Ye that make mention of the 
Lord, keep not silence, and give him no rest, till he establish, 
and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth." — 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 123 



CHAPTER IX. 

His anniversary sermon for the Church Missionary Society— Meeting at Bedford, in 
behalf of the Jews— Bedfordshire Bible Society— Tours for the Jewish and Church 
Missionary Societies — Extracts from his Journals — Success of these tours — Their 
influence on the general interests of religion — On his own personal improvement 
—On that of his parish and family. 

Wb have before alluded to the anniversary sermon, preach- 
ed by Mr. Richmond for the Church Missionary Society, in 
May, 1809. It is much to be lamented that one so capable 
of contributing to the stock of valuable theological discourses^ 
should have composed only three sermons for the press; two of 
them published during his residence in the Isle of Wight, and 
the third, which we now propose to consider, after his removal 
to Turvey. This deficiency is one of the consequences of 
extempore preaching; and ministers of acknowledged talents 
and usefulness would do well to remember, that they owe to 
the church some lasting memorials of their pastoral labors and 
of their zeal for the general interests of religion. 

Mr. Richmond received many urgent representations^ from 
the writer, on this subject; but his unceasing engagements, 
his extensive correspondence, and the more immediate claims 
of duty, were always pleaded in excuse. An examination of 
his missionary sermon will enable the reader to form some 
judgment of his powers of composition, and will also afford an 
illustration of his sentiments on the important subject of mis- 
sions. 

His text is taken from John xxi, 16 — ^'He saith unto him 
again, the second time, 'Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou 
me?' He saith unto him, 'Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I 
love thee.' He saith unto him ''Feed my sheep.' " Com- 
menting on these words, he briefly describes the peculiar in- 
terest and solemnity of the occasion; — the question proposed: 
"Lovest thou me?" The answer given: '-Yea, Lord, thou 
knowest that I love thee." The successive repetition of the 
question, and Peter's asseveration, "Lord, thou knowest all 
things, thou knowest that I love thee;" and the final command 
of the Saviour, obedience to which is the test of the sincerity 
of the profession: "Feed my sheep." The motive of love to 
Christ is deduced as the only adequate and scriptural stimulus 
to missionary exertion; and the commandment given, to feed 
his flock, declares the nature and object of the duty required. 
The application of the whole to ourselves is inferred from the 
commission given to Peter and the apostles, as the represen- 



124 MEMOIRS OF THE 

tatives of the Church Universal to the end of time; and from 
the fact, that general exhortations, founded upon Christ's 
general promises to his church, admit of no limitation, either 
of time or place. He next inquires — 

fV/io are the sheep of Christ? 

JV/iy ought they to be fed? 

By whoml 

With ichat food must they be fed, nourished, and supported? 

We pass over the first three as obvious in their meaning. 

In answering the inquiry, — '^vho shall be the missiona- 
ries?" he observes, 'Hhe shepherds whom you set apart to 
this honorable labor of feeding and nourishing souls for Christ, 
must be men who love Christ for the salvation which he hath 
wrought in their own souls; men, who 'feel in themselves the 
working of the Spirit of Christ, mortifying the works of the 
flesh, and their earthly members, and drawing up their mind to 
high and heavenly things.' " {Jlrt. 17.) They must be men, not 
of warmth and zeal alone, but of solidity, patience, and perse- 
verance; men who, like their Lord, can endure the contradic- 
lion of sinners. For the most part, it is not so often men of 
extensive learning, of genius, and superior literary talents, 
who are wanted, as men of simplicity and sincerity; men of 
prayer and meditation; men who so love Christ, as to be will- 
ing to spend and be spent, for his sake; men of subdued pas- 
sions and mortified minds, who patiently wait for the coming 
of our Lord Jesus Christ." 

In his next important consideration, — '^wherewith they are 
to be fed," the following remarks claim the attention of all 
who are engaged in the cause of missions. 

'Treach Christ, as a free, full, perfect, and all-sufficient 
Saviour to the greatest of sinners. The sheep of Christ, 
whether at home or abroad, will hear and know their own 
good Shepherd's voice, and none other. Proclaim, as from 
the house-top, 'that God commendeth his love towards us, in 
that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us;' and thus 
accomplished that wonder of men and angels, Hhat God 
might be just, and the justifier of the sinner which believeth 
in Jesus.' 

'Treach to them the blood of Christ; its atoning and 
cleansing power. Send over your missionary shepherds, to 
feed the flock of Christ among the heathen, with the whole- 
some bread and the pure water of life. We must not trifle 
in this matter. It is the cause of God and truth. Mins:h 



HEV, LEGH RICHMOND. 1^5 

therefore nothing with their food; disguise it not with any 
self-accommodating explanations. It is not the equivocal 
language of a mere fashionable profession of the Gospel, that 
will convey the word and substance of salvation to the soul of 
either a nominal Christian, or a real heathen. 

"Let the hemisphere of light, which is to burst upon the 
dark mountains where now the heathen sheep are scattered, 
be unsullied and without a cloud. Be ye pastors according to 
God's heart, and feed them with knowledge and understand- 
ing. Christ living, Christ obeying, Christ dying, Christ 
risen, Christ ascended, and Christ interceding for sinners: 
this is the true bread of life. Our commission to feed his 
sheep runs thus: 'Go ye and teach all nations, baptizing them 
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy 
Ghost.' Hence the love of the Father, in giving sinners to 
Christ; the love of the Son, in dying for their redemption; and 
the love of the Spirit, in sanctifying and preparing them for 
glory, are the grand themes for Christian meditation. When 
these invaluable truths are enforced in a practical and experi- 
mental manner, the sheep of Christ are truly fed, according to 
their good Shepherd's design and commandment; and so shall 
they live and prosper." 

In illustration of the foregoing remarks, he quotes the fol- 
lowing testimony of Johannes, a converted heathen, who also 
became a blessed witness of the truth, to his own nation. The 
circumstance is recorded in the history of the missions of the 
United Brethren among the Indian nations of North America. 

" 'Brethren, I have been a heathen, and have grown old 
amongst them: therefore I know very well how it is with the 
heathen, and how they think. A preacher once came to us, 
desiring to instruct us; and began by proving to us, that there 
was a God. On which we said to him, 'Well, and dost thou 
think we are ignorant of that.^ Now go back again to the 
place from whence thou earnest.' 

"Then again, another preacher came, and began to instruct 
us, saying, 'you must not steal, nor drink too much, nor lie, 
nor lead wicked lives.' We answered him: "Fool that thou 
art, dost thou think that we do not know that ? Go and learn 
it first thyself, and teach the people whom thou belongest to, 
not to do those things. For who are greater drunkards, or 
thieves, or liars, than thine own people ?' Thus, we sent him 
away also. 

"Sometime after this, Christian Henry, one of the Breth- 
ren, came to me into my hut,and sat down by me. The contents 



HG MEMOIRS OF THE 

of his discourse to me were nearly these: '1 come to thee in 
the name of the Lord of heaven and earth. He sends me 
to acquaint thee, that he would gladly save thee, and make 
thee happy, and deliver thee from the miserable state in which 
thou liest at present. To this end he became a man, gave his 
life a ransom for man, and shed his blood for man. All that 
believe in the name of this Jesus, obtain the forgiveness of sin. 
To all them that receive him by faith, he giveth power to 
become the sons of God. The Holy Spirit dwelleth in their 
hearts; and they are made free, through the blood of Christ, 
from the slavery and dominion of sin. And though thou art 
the chief of sinners, jet if thou prayest to the Father in his 
name, and believest in him as a sacrifice for thy sins, thou 
shalt be heard and saved, and he will give thee a crown of 
life, and thou shalt live with him in heaven for ever.' 

''When he had finished his discourse, he lay down upon a 
board in my hut, fatigued by his journey, and fell into a 
sound sleep. I thought within myself, 'What manner of man 
is this? There he lies, and sleeps so sweetly; — I might kill 
him, and throw him into the forest, and who would regard it? 
But he is unconcerned; — this cannot be a bad man; he fears 
no evil, not even from us, who are so savage; but sleeps com- 
fortably, and places his life in our hands.' 

'^However, I could not forget his words; they constantly 
recurred to my mind; even though I went to sleep, yet I 
dreamed of the blood which Christ had shed for us. I thought, 
Hhis is very strange, and quite different from what I have 
ever heard.' So I went and interpreted Christian Henry's 
words to the other Indians. 

''Thus, through the grace of God, an awakening took place 
among us. I tell you, therefore, brethren," said he, "preach 
to the Heathen, Christ, and his blood, his sufferings, and his 
death, if you would have your words to gain entrance among 
them; if you wish to confer a blessing upon them.' "* 

But the passage in Mr. Richmond's sermon which produced 
the strongest impression upon his hearers, was the following :- 

"I stand before you this day as an ambassador for Christ, 
in the cause of those who are ready to perish. In his and 
their name, I beseech you to hear me, while I propose a few 
considerations to your attention. 

* See Crantz's History of the Greenland Mission, a most interesting' pub- 
lication; in which Mission the preaching of the Cress led to a general awaken- 
ing of the GreenlanderS; after the preliminary truths of religion had been 
brought before them nearly eighteen years with little or no effect. 



HEV. LEGH RICHMOND. 121 

^^^Consider the state of the world, its empires, nations, kin- 
dreds, and tribes. When a map of the world is presented to 
the eye, with what a variety of affections is it viewed, accord- 
ing to the character and pursuits of the inspector! 

"The mere statesman diligently examines the magnitude^ 
position, and boundaries of other countries, with a sole refer- 
ence to the political aggrandizement of his own. Wars, con- 
quests, treaties, alliances, and a multitude of considerations 
connected with ambition, power, and national honor, dictate 
and accompany all his speculations on the map. And then he 
has done with it, and lays it down. 

"The merchant takes up the map, and eagerly traverses 
the delineation of seas, continents, and islands, with anxious 
inquiry as to the pecuniary profit and loss, trade and mer- 
chandise. His thoughts are absorbed in considering how 
much may be gained by his speculations to some distant island 
or foreign shore. He meditates on the track of his vessel 
upon the ocean, marks its course upon the hazardous waves, 
and is full of agitation with respect to its fate. There is his 
golden treasure, and his heart is there also. As he views the 
map, he conjectures, hopes, fears; and, with much solicitude, 
contemplates his future gains, or dreads impending losses. 
The map is again laid down, and he has done with it. 

" The curious traveller takes up the map of the world, and 
is occupied with the remembrance or anticipation of the various 
customs, manners, dresses, languages, buildings, and cere- 
monies; with a long list of wonders and amusements that have 
engaged his attention. In such a way his imagination travels 
over the whole globe; and then this man's contemplations on 
the map are likewise concluded. 

"The natural philosopher investigates the various produc- 
tions of this diversified globe with another object. Theories 
of the earth's formation; the animal, vegetable, and mineral 
kingdoms, the origin of volcanoes, the cause of earthquakes, 
the variation of the magnetic needle, all afford him endless 
subjects of examination. Every continent, sea, climate, and 
zone, which the map presents to his eye, furnishes him with 
matter for inquisitive speculation: and then, he has done with 
it also. 

"But, when the Christian beholds the world's map, he has 
a subject of investigation far beyond them all. What they 
have overlooked and disregarded, is every thing to him. His 
great inquiry is, 'Shew me the visible kingdom of Christ: 
name the countries where Christ is known and worshipped. 



128 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Oh! when shall the kingdoms of this world become the king- 
doms of our Lord and of his Christ? When shall the Heath- 
en fear the name of the Lord: 

'^As his eye traverses the globe, he sighs over the awful 
contrast which its different portions exhibit. His own soul 
loves Jesus, the Saviour of men. But how small a part of 
those immense tracts of country which the map presents to hif 
view, so much as know whether there be any Christ! What 
nations immersed in Heathenish idolatry! How many over- 
run with the tyrannical superstition of Mahomet! Yea, where 
even the name of Christ is professed, how many are sunk into 
the deep mire of Popish corruption, or virtual infidelity! How 
small a portion seems as yet to belong to Christ! 

"•He mourns over the prospect, but does not lay down the 
map and think no more of it. Again and .again he takes it 
up, prays for the sheep of Christ in distant lands, recommends 
their case to God, and meditates plans for their deliverance. 
He surveys the vast continents of Asia and Africa, and for 
the most part it seems to be darkness visible. Then he looks 
for his native island at home, endeared to him by a thousand 
considerations, but most endeared on account of the Gospel 
light with which she is blessed. And shall not the rays of 
that light soon be diffused, as from a centre, to all the sur- 
rounding world? Doth not a voice from above, in an especial 
manner, say unto Britons, ^Go ye into all the world?' 
Wherefore? Only for political aggrandizement, — for mer- 
chandise, — for travelling recreation, — for collecting of philo- 
sophical rarities? Are these your only objects? No; saith 
the Word, ^Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel 
to every creature!' 

''From such a meditation on the map the Christian re- 
tires, not to slumber over the convictions of duty; not to say 
much, and do nothing. He freights a vessel to carry the pearl 
of great price to those who neither know of its existence nor it5 
value. The missionary is on board the ship. The messen- 
ger of God is crossing the seas; not, as formerly, to make the 
Ethiopians afraid, but to proclaim the glad tidings of salva- 
tion to the Heathen, to preach the Gospel to the poor, to 
heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the cap- 
tives, and recovering of sight to the blind. Whilst the 
Christian, at home, who has been the instrument of sending 
him forth on this errand of love, anxiously waits to hear the 
happy news, that Dagon is fallen upon his face to the ground 
before the ark of the Lord; that Bell boweth down, and Nebo 



REV, LEGH RICHMOND. 129 

stoopeth^ while the great trumpet is blown; and that they 
which were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and the 
outcasts in the land of Egypt, are now worshipping the Lord 
in his holy mount. 

^^O ye statesmen, merchants, travellers, and philosophers, 
take up your maps once more. 

"Again consider the state of the church; and if you love 
Christ, feed his sheep." 

The collection on this occasion amounted to 331/. Is. be- 
ing the largest sum ever contributed at any of the anniversa- 
ries of the Church Missionary Society. 

Mr. Richmond's exertions in behalf of the religious soci- 
eties, began, from this period, to form a very prominent fea- 
ture in his life. His journals, some of which we mean to lay 
before the reader, will discover an extraordinary degree of 
zeal and labor, such as few men would attempt to equal, and 
fewer have ever exceeded. His correspondence at the same 
time will shew, that so far from sacrificing parochial or family 
duties to his more public exertions, he was most strictly con- 
scientious in the observance of them. We readily admit, that 
incessant occupation in the service of the public, may prove a 
serious interruption to the due discharge of private obligations, 
and that personal piety may be endangered by the excitement 
and distraction of public engagements. Mr. Richmond, how- 
ever, formed an exception to the too prevailing effect of popu- 
larity. So far from being injured by his exertions abroad, they 
seemed to invigorate and fit him for the better discharge of 
his duties at home; and his return from these missionary tours 
was ever accompanied with some signal revivals in his church 
and family. 

In the year 1810, an Auxiliary Society was formed for the 
county of Bedford, to co-operate with the London Society for 
promoting Christianity among the Jews. Extempore ad- 
dresses were at that time so unusual, that few persons were 
either willing or able to trust themselves beyond a very brief 
and limited expression of their sentiments; and the writer well 
remembers his own nervous agitation even when, having de- 
clined to take a more prominent part in the business of the 
day, the less difficult office of moving a vote of thanks to the 
chairman was assigned to him. The feelings of many others 
he believes were much of the same description. On Mr. 
Richmond, therefore, by unanimous consent, devolved the task of 
explaining the object of the meeting; in doing which, he entered 
so fully, and with so much ability, into the past and present 
12 



130 MEMOIRS OF THE 

history of the Jews, — the obligations of the Christian TTorid 
to that remarkable people for the fidelity with which they had 
transmitted the sacred text, — their claims on our gratitude 
and humanity, — the manner in which those claims had been 
requited, and the guiit of past neglect, — the lost and degrad- 
ed state of the Jews, contrasted with the splendor of their 
future hopes, — that one would have supposed he had made this 
cause the exclusive subject of his studies, so ample was the 
knowledge he displayed, and the fluency with which he com- 
municated it. 

A similar meeting was afterwards held at Kettering, in 
Northamptonshire, which Mr. Richmond addressed with equal 
ability. He preached also, in behalf of the Society, at All 
Saints' Church, Northampton, to a very large congregation. 
The circumstance that next claims our attention, is the 
formation of the Bedfordshire Bible Society, in the autumn 
of 1811. The recollections connected with this event will 
not easily be obliterated. The presence of Christians of 
all denominations, assembled for the first time in that district, 
within the memory of man, to promote, by their united ener- 
gies, an object equally dear to all, — the dignity and cordiality 
with which His Grace the Duke of Bedford, the president, 
declared his approbation of the catholic spirit and enlarged 
benevolence of the undertaking, — the interesting and impres- 
sive communications of the three Secretaries of the Parent 
Society, the Rev. John Owen, the Rev. J. Hughes, and the 
Rev. Dr. Steinkopff, — the animated and powerful speech of 
the late Samuel Whitbread, Esq., the Christian character 
of the respective addresses, and the spirit of harmony and 
peace which pervaded the meeting, awakened in every bosom 
the purest and most exalted emotions. It was like the meet- 
ing of Esau and Jacob, who, after years of mutual alienation 
and distrust, forgot all past animosities, and fell on each 
other's neck, with mutual tears and embraces. 

The public meeting at Bedford was attended with impor- 
tant results: the Huntingdonshire and Northamptonshire 
Bible Societies owed their origin to the interest excited on that 
occasion. In the establishment of the above society, and in 
organizing county branches, at Luton, Leighton, Dunstable, 
Woburn, Ampthill, Biggleswade, kc, Mr. Richmond took 
an active part; and was, subsequently, in the habit of at- 
tending their anniversaries, and not unfrequently those also 
that were held in the adjoining county of Northampton. 



REV. LEGH RICHMONDo 131 

We now proceed to notice other labors of Mr. Richmond 
in. the Jewish and missionary cause, in different parts of the 
kingdom: his own journals will best illustrate their charac- 
ter, as well as their beneficial effects. We select the follow- 
ing:— 

Extracts from a Journal of a Tour in 1814. 

^'August 8. Left Turvey at five in the morning. Dined 

at C n with dear J s. The savory sweetness and 

friendly cordiality of his conversation was, as it ever must be, 
delightful and edifying. Arrived at Leicester, at eight in 
the evening, and slept at my friend MitchePs.* There I used 
to converse with dear father Robinson. How solemn and 
interesting does death render past recollections! Leicester 
cannot but mourn the loss of such a man. He was father, 
friend, pastor, counsellor, and preacher, in an eminent de- 
gree. Peace and veneration be to his memory! 

" — 9. Met Mrs. B., who informed me of the most dis- 
tressing death of Mr. J., of London, I felt deeply affected. 
Lord, what is man! who can tell to what depths even God's 
children may be brought? I was glad to learn that he was 
granted time and space for repentance, and recovery of mind. 
May we all hear and fear. The Lord be merciful to his in- 
teresting family. In the evening I preached for the Jews, 
at St. Mary's church. A noble congregation. My text was 
Matt. X, 8. I^found much freedom in speaking, and thought 
God seemed to be in the midst of us. Very many clergy- 
men and dissenting ministers were present. The collection 
was 411. 13s. The Lord keep me humble, simple-minded, 
and single-eyed. 

" — 10. Proceeded to Derby and Matlock: delighted 
with the High Tor; resolved on its being my text, in illus- 
tration of Deut. xxxii, 4. Congregation, and evening, quiet, 
calm and interesting. The beauty of this place increases, 
to my apprehension, every time I revisit it. Blessed be the 
Rock of salvation! I returned to M. B. by late twilight. 
The scene exquisitely fine. God made all these beauties! 
May I see Him in them! 

'' — 11. Went to Bonsai. It is one of the most in- 
teresting, romantic spots I ever saw; — it far exceeds descrip- 

^ The vicar of St. Mary's, Leicester, and the successor to Mr. Robinson. 
The sudden decease of tliis much respected character is a subject of sincere 
regret to all his friends. 



132 MEMOIRS OF THE 

tion. The church and church-yard are remarkably interest- 
ing. In the evening preached for the Jews, from Prov. iii, 
27. Collection, — 15/. 125. I had not so much freedom as 
sometimes, but felt calm and hopeful. The character of this 
picturesque, sequestered village, on the opposite side of Mas- 
son (Hill) from Matlock, is beautiful, wild, rich, and engag- 
ing in the extreme. 

^^Aug. 12. Early in the morning, I went into the beau- 
tiful and romantically-situated church-yard, and meditated 
near an hour. Here is a remarkably fine yew tree. In the 
evening I received an invitation to preach for the Jews on 
Sunday morning, at Alfreton. I returned to Bonsai, and, 
at my friend Maddock's desire, addressed a large number of 
young people in the church, who are under instruction for an 
approaching confirmation by the bishop. It was a pleasing- 
sight, and, I hope, a profitable time. How gracious is God 
to body, soul and spirit! 

" — 14. {Sunday.) We set off for Alfreton. I preach- 
ed for the Jews, from John iv, 22. Collection — 151. ISs. 
Returned to Bonsai; preached from Psalm viii, 2. A church 
completely filled; many visitors from Matlock. It was a 
delightful opportunity; the Lord seemed to be present, amidst 
a worshipping and listening people. Such a congregation, in 
so romantic and beautiful a situation, is a rare and interest- 
ing sight. Returned to the hotel to supper; had some very 
profitable conversation with Mrs. B., who has been an au- 
thoress. How desirable to endeavor to introduce something 
for God at these public places. 

" — 16. Manchester. Preached at St. Stephen's, 
Salford, for the National schools, from Psalm xlviii, 12 — 14. 

'' — 18. Rose early, and thought over a plan of ser- 
mon for night. After breakfast, went to meet the Ladies' 
Auxiliary Committee for the Jews. Gave an address, and 
found the opportunity peculiarly interesting. It was then 
fixed that the annual public meeting for the Jewish society 
should be held on Wednesday, August 31, and that I should 
preach at St. Clement's on the preceding evening. Went 
to Oldham, where I preached for the Jews, from Rom. xi, 
12. Collection — 21/. 16s. Id. Preached with unusual free- 
dom, particularly as it concerned the word ^reconciling.' The 
presence of God was not, I trust, wanting among us. 

^' — 21. [Sunday.) Preached for the Jews at the parish 
church of Halifax. It is a remarkably fine old building. Col- 
lection — 19/. The day extremely wet. In the afternoon I 
preached at Trinity church, in the same town ; a very large con- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 133 

gregation.- Collection — 34/. My morning text was. Psalm cii, 
12, 13. Afternoon, Psalm cxxii, 6. I deeply felt my sub- 
ject. Immediately after the second sermon, Mr. C. and I 
set off for Huddersfield. The road very fine and interesting, 
'■ — the evening wet. We arrived at the Rev. Mr. C.'s, and 
were invited to sleep at Mrs. W.'s near Huddersfield. The 
congregation at the church was immense. The Methodist 
chapel was shut up. The sight of such an assembly filled me 
with desire and affection. I preached from Rom. xi, 15, 
with great comfort. The occasion was in every way inter- 
esting. Collection — 111. One person had put into the plate 
two guineas, wrapped in a ten pound note! As soon as the 
service was over, the organ and choir suddenly began the 
grand Hallelujah Chorus, and executed it well. The effect 
was sublime, and affected me much. 

^^*Rug. 22. At eleven, held a public meeting, for the for- 
mation of a Huddersfield society for the Jews. It was nu- 
merously attended, and went off very well. I was requested 
to preach a lecture at the church to-morrow evening. Had 
an interesting conversation with an old man in the factory, 
about the sermon of last night. 

^^ — 23. Preached the promised lecture at Huddersfield 
church, from Eph. iii, 17 — 19: a very fine congregation, 
although an exceedingly wet night. Felt earnest in my sub- 
ject, and went through it with much solemn feeling. The 
character of this whole family where I now am is highly in- 
teresting. Such new friendships are, indeed, among the mer- 
cies of God to travelling pilgrims. 

i( — 24. Set off for Halifax. Preached to a very large 
congregation at the old parish church, from Heb. xiii, 8. 

" — 25. Went to Bradford. [M-et a very friendly and 
agreeable party of friends to the Jews, at Mr. F.'s. It was 
resolved to hold a meeting of the association at Bradford, on 
Saturday morning. Preached in the evening at Rothwell, for 
the Jews, to a good congregation. 

^^ — 27. Set off for Bradford. Attended the public 
meeting: a very large assembly. Mr. S. made an excellent 
and argumentative speech. The venerable vicar was pres- 
ent. All went off well. We dined with Mr. F.; the party 
numerous, spiritual, and edifying. The conversation very 
interesting. Returned to Leeds, and by the way examined 
the fine ruin of Kirkstall Abbey. It is highly grand and 
beautiful. 

^12 



134 MEMOIRS OF THE 

'^jIuq;. 28. (Sunday,) Awoke with anxiety respecting* the 
sermons of the day, having three to preach at different 
churches, in the same town (Leeds.) Went in the morning 
to St. Paul's, the church of the late Rev. Miles Atkinson. I 
preached for the Jews, from Rom. xi, 30, 31. Found my- 
self strengthened. Collection — 49/. Dined with Mr. H. 
In the afternoon, preached at St. John's, for the Jews, from 
Psalm cii, 12, 13. Preached with more satisfaction than 
in the morning, and felt much for the souls of those present. 
Collection — '221. Drank tea at Mr. H.'s, and in the eve- 
ning preached at St. John's, from Matt, x, 8 : a very fine 
congregation indeed. I preached with great freedom to my 
own feelings, both as to argument and appeal. My heart 
was much engaged in considering the great work of the min- 
isterial calling. Singing very grand and impressive. Col- 
lection — 31/. In all, above 100/. during the day. I have 
reason to be very thankful to God, for the help and strength 
with which I was enabled to pursue my course this day. 

" — . 29. Went to the public meeting at the Music-hall, 
for forming a Ladies' Society. Many excellent speeches were 
made, which rendered the meeting peculiarly interesting. 
After dinner, went to Bristall, and preached for the Jews, 
from Rom. x. 1 . The church is singularly venerable in 
architecture, and picturesque in character. It was full in the 
extreme. Collection — 17/. 

'' — 30. Arrived at Manchester just in time to preach at 
St. Clement's church, from Gen. xvii. 5, on the united influ- 
ence of Jewish and Heathen missions on each other. After- 
wards, prepared papers for a meeting next morning, I felt 
my mind much affected while enlarging on the above view of 
the question. 

" — 31. Held the anniversay meeting of the Auxiliary 
Society. Numerous attendance. Preached in the evening at 
Stanley-bridge chapel, from John iv. 22. Collection — 18/. 
6s. Was struck with seeing a monument to the Rev. John 
Kenworthy, aged thirty-four. He was a college friend, and 
I did not know what was become of him. In the midst of life 
we are hi death! 

''Sept. 1. Found many letters; one from my dear wife, 
which I answered. Children all well at home. O, how 
merciful is God! I have labored much this last fortnight, but 
am in no respect the worse, and in many the better for it. 
And so may he ever give his beloved rest, not fronij but in 
labor. The harvest is plenteous, but the laborers are few. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 135 

The importance of such a work as I am engaged in, appears 
daily more and more in its effects on individuals, places, and 
districts. May the Master, whom I serve, give me strength 
according to my day, and use me for his own glory, and the 
good of the church of Christy ivhere^ wheriy and how he 
pleaseth! 

''Sept. 2. Stayed in the house all day. Endeavored to 
collect some matter for my missionary sermons. Had an 
hour's conversation with the pious and exemplary Mrs. C, of 
Stockport. Spent a comfortable day with my mother and 
aunt. Sat up before I went to bed and meditated on the 
blessings which God had mercifully bestowed on me, in giving 
me so valuable a wife, and so many dear children. I then 
prayed for them, and retired to rest. 

'' — 3. Made two skeletons for Church Missionary sermons 
to be preached at Buxton to-morrow. Proceeded thither. 
Scenery lovely, Buxton completely full. My sermon here is 
an arduous task. God give me strength to go through it to 
his glory; fearless of men, and anxious for their spiritual 
welfare. I find that ladies are to collect at the church 
to-morrow. 

" — 4. (Sunday,) Rose early, to prepare for my day's 
work. Went to the new and beautiful chapel. A large con- 
gregation of genteel people. I preached from Luke xix, 42, 
for the Jews. Collection — 44/. 4s. I enjoyed sufficient free- 
dom from fear, so as to be rendered comfortable. Ladies 
collected from pew to pew, supported by gentlemen. Went 
immediately afterwards to Bakewell, where I preached for 
the Church Missionary Society, from Rom. iii, 29. Collec- 
tion — 17/. 12s. 2d. From thence I went to Yeolgrave, where 
I preached for the same cause^ from Matt, ix, 37, 38. Col- 
lection — 11/. 14s. 5d. 

'' — 5. Rose early, and was struck with the singularly 
beautiful effect of the morning fog or dew, rolling, or rather 
reposing in flakes and masses on the valley seen from my win- 
dow. The hills around me were clear, the sun shining, the 
objects in some part of the valley beginning to appear. At 
length, all became clear and uninterrupted. The whole was 
highly interesting. Went through the beautiful valley. Saw 
a comment on my text of last night; a large tract of harvest 
land, and one solitary person reaping it! Noticed a sublime 
and interesting mass of rocks; their shape, form, and charac- 
ter, worthy of the minutest attention. Wild, unfrequented, 
and romantic, in the highest degree. Within them is a her- 



136 MEMOIRS OF THE 

mit's cave, on the wall of which some pious artist has sculp- 
tured a crucifix. Meditation has here scope for boundless ac- 
tion, — scenic, spiritual, sublime, and beautiful. 

"Sept. 6. Received a letter from my dear wife. All well, 
God be praised. Preached at Chapel en le Frith, from Rom. 
i, 16, for Church Missionary Society. Collection — 15/. 16s. 
Id. Slept at the inn. Mercies still follow me. Bless the 
Lord, O my soul! and all that is within me bless His holy 
name ! 

'' — 7. Preached a lecture at Yeolgrave. Experienced 
a mark of very kind attention from one of the Duke of Rut- 
land's household. Went to Matlock, to preach there. Met 
Mr. and Mrs. Kemp, and Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Saunders. Re- 
turned, after service, with Lady Elizabeth Percival and 
Mrs. Childers; and had much Christian conversation, as we 
passed through the rocks ^on the romantic road, by moonlight. 

'' — 9. Attended a meeting of ladies and gentlemen for 
the Church Missionary Society. Messrs. Kemp, Saunders, 
Gell, Maddock, and myself spoke. The collection, including 
two donations of ten guineas each, from Lady E. Percival, 
and the Hon. Mrs. Childers, after my sermon last night, 
amounted to 40/. 95. 6d. This first incursion into the very 
heart of a watering-place is an excellent beginning, and prom- 
ises well. We met at the dining-room, just';underneath the 
romantic rocks: shrubs, trees, rivers, &c., opposite. I was 
reminded of Salvator Rosa's picture of John the Baptist 
preaching in the wilderness. 

'^ — 10. Breakfasted at Bonsai; then read, wrote, and 
meditated for to-morrow. The Lord of grace and glory help 
me in my work, and bless it to me, a poor sinner ^ while 1 
preach Jf or and to other poor sinners! 

" — 11. {Sunday.) Preached in the fine old church 
(with its most singular and crooked spire,) for the Church 
Missionary Society, from Mark xvi, 15 — Collection, 34/. Set 
off for Sheffield. Proceeded to the parish church: congrega- 
tion computed at 3,500. Many hundreds unable to get in. I 
preached jointly (by express desire) for the Jews and the 
heathen, from Rom. iii, 29. Collection — 71/. 13^. The 
Hallelujah Chorus was grand and affecting in the highest de- 
gree. Much to be thankful for in each of the three sermons 
this day. The collection was said to be the largest ever 
made in this church, on any occasion. It is not easy to de- 
scribe or conceive the effect of such a congregation as this at 
Sheffield. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 137 



(C{ 



'Sept. 12. Most hospitably received at Mrs. Walker's. 
Went to see Mr. Walker's great iron-works, near Rother- 
ham. Saw a cannon cast, and went through the whole man- 
ufactory. It is most ingenious and interesting. Saw the 
rolling-mill, and manufacture of tin plates. Observed on our 
return in the evening, the effect of the many surrounding blaz- 
ing furnaces. The effect in so fine a night is grand and beau- 
tiful: some of the fires on the tops of high hills, some on the 
sides, others in the valleys; — some near, others distant. 

" — 14. Framed the plan of a sermon. Expounded 
at family worship, from Malachi iii. ; and explained the Refi- 
ner's process, from what we had seen the day before. Preach- 
ed at Rotherhara church, for the Church Missionary Society. 
Text — Matt, xxviii. 19, 20. A fine congregation. Collec- 
tion — 33/. lis. lOd. Dear Maddock read prayers. Nu- 
merous proofs hourly occur of the usefulness of my missionary 
labors, wherever we travel. Surely, goodness and mercy 
follow us! Glory be to God! 

^^ — 16. Set out for Doncaster. Went to Selby. Preach- 
ed for the Church Missionary Society. Collection — 13/. 14s. 
lOd. The congregation good and attentive. My excellent 
friend Maddock accompanied me. Before I retired to rest, 
felt peculiarly earnest in prayer for my beloved wife and chil- 
dren. O! for the Lord to crown them with his mercies, tem- 
poral, spiritual, and eternal! 

'^ — 17. Passed, this day, through the village of Wilhey'- 
force, on my way to Knaresborough. It pleased me to think 
of my boy. 

" — 18. (^Sunday.) Preached at Knaresborough church, 
for the Church Missionary Society, from Psa. xcvi, 9, 10. 
Collection — 30/. Went immediately to Harewood. The 
church most beautiful within. Earl Harewood, Lord and 
Lady Lascelles, Sir C. Stewart, Sic. present. I preached 
from Matt, ix, 36™38. Collection— 29/. Rev. Mr. H., 
Rector, •''and nephew to Earl Harewood, an estimable charac- 
ter. Earl H. invited me to dinner. Collection — 23/. 17s. 
Returned to Knaresborough, and preached from Eph. iii, 17 
— 19, for the Church Missionary Society. Collection — 211. 
Enjoyed much peace all day. The house where I am is the 
seat of enlightened piety, of kindness, hospitality, and Chris- 
tian comfort. 

" — 19. Received a singularly interesting letter from the 
Russian princess, Sophia Metscherski, at St. Petersburgh."* 

'* This letter will be shortly introduced to the notice of the reader, 



138 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Explored the .romantic and beautiful scenery about Knares- 
borou^h. Went on to Studley Park. Saw the ruins of Foun- 
tains'^Abbey; — it far exceeds every thing I have seen or 
shall see; — imagination itself is tilled, and more than filled. 
I went through the long walk with that vigor, which I only 
find myself able to exert when I travel, and have my mind 
strongly bent on interesting and rational enjoyment. 

''Sept. 25. {Sunday.) Preached in the morning at St. 
Paul's, Leeds, Yrom Gen. xxii, 18. Collection — 40/. 3s. 
Dined with Mr. H.; then preached at St. John's, from Eph. 
ii, 12, 13. Collection — 20/. I85. Preached in the evening, 
at St. James's, from Isa. ix, 7. In the morning, felt calm 
and comfortable. In the evening, found most enjoyment in 
ray work. The congregation overflowing, — the singing uni- 
versal, — the effect delightful. Missionaries were present. 
How mercifully the Lord carries me through! — What shall I 
render unto Him for all his benefits. 

'' — 26. Attended the public anniversary meeting. 
Thirteen clergymen spoke. The whole went off excellently. 
Drank tea with a large religious party at Mr. D.'s. All prof- 
itable and affectionate. The Princess Sophia's letter delights 
every one that hears it. 

" — 27. Preached at Huddersfield, from Ps. xcvi, 10. 
Church crowded in the extreme. I was able to speak with 
much readiness. Collection — 80/. 

" — 29. Held the anniversary meeting of the Hudders- 
field Association. Preached in the evening at Almondbury, 
from Matt, ix, 37, 38. Collection — 21/. Is. A noble con- 
gregation. What strong testimonials do I daily receive of 
the extensive usefulness of my journey! Surely God is good 
indeed, in thus comforting my spirits, amidst many thoughts of 
anxiety! 

"Oct. 1. Prepared to leave Woodhouse, — a roof under 
which I have met with so much to improve and delight, that 
I know not how to express my gratitude to God and its own- 
ers as I ought. The live daughters gave me 51. as an annual 
subscription for a rescued negro child, to be called after Mad- 
dock and myself. We were requested to plant two trees, as 
memorials of our visit and friendship. M. planted an oak, 
and I a Portugal laurel. The whole interesting family heaped 
every mark of regard and respect upon us. I desire to enter 
my record of thankfulness and affectionate pleasure, which this 
visit and intercourse have excited in my heart: in such things, 
the Lord is good indeed. Proceeded to Bradford. Heard 
fresh testimonies there to the o^reat use of reli2:ious tours. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. . 139 

^'^Oct. 2. (Sunday.) Preached, in the morning, at Brad- 
ford church, from Rom. x, 13, 14. A fine congregation. 
Preached, in the afternoon, at the same church, from Matt, 
ix, 56. A still larger congregation. Preached, in the even- 
ing, from Rev. xi, 15. Overflovt^ing congregation: I never 
saw any thing like it, — not less than four thousand, cer- 
tainly. Three collections 115^. Such a day, such a 

church, — such a vicar, — such life, — such attention, — such lib- 
erality, and such general success are rarely seen. I desire 
to praise God from my heart, for the interesting, animating, 
encouraging scene, it altogether presented. I received the 
sacrament from the hands of the venerable, apostolical, blind 
vicar. Supped and slept at Mr. Fawcett's. 

^' — 5. Met my mother at Chesterfield. We travelled 
together to Mansfield. Proceeded to the church. A very fine 
congregation. I preached from Rom. x, 15. Collection — 
50/. I have had great heaviness of spirit since Monday night, 
but I think the Lord has blessed me in it. He is good and 
merciful ! 

" — 6. Travelled to Bonsai, where Maddock found his 
wife and children well. O! may God grant that I do the 
same! He has been with me as a Protector all the way, and 
I will trust him still! May every tear be wiped from my loved 
Mary's eyes, and may we again meet, with Christian and con- 
nubial affection. Amen. 

" — 7. Proceeded to Nottingham, where we made ar- 
rangements for a new association in connexion with the Church 
Missionary Society. 

" — 8. I parted with my friend Maddock, at six o'clock. 
God be with him. He has been an amiable, cheerful, and 
most interesting companion and coadjutor; I love and esteem 
him from my heart. ^ Rejoiced greatly in the hope of meet- 
ing my dear wife at Creaton. I can truly say that that place 
where she is, is a dear home to my heart; and home itself 
ceases to be home, if she is not there. Lord, I bless thee, 
for having preserved me safe through a journey which already 
exceeds 1,160 miles; and may it be crowned by meeting her 
at last, in love and union of soul! — Arrived safe at Creaton, 
and found my dear wife and daughter well. This is a crown- 
ing mercy, and shall be accounted as such. 

" — . 9. Preached, in the morning, at Spratton, from 

■* This excellent man is since departed to a belter world, beloved and es- 
teemed by all who knew him. 



140 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Psalm xcri, 10; in the afternoon, at Creaton, from Rom. x, 
13 — lo; for the Church Missionary Society. Collection — 
15/. Is. Sd. Passed the evening pleasantly and profitably. 

" Oct. 11. We left Mr. Jones's. Dined at Northampton, 
and arrived safe at Turvey, at half-past seven o'clock; — 
finding the dear children well. What shall I render to the 
Lord, for all his benefits unto me.'* 

^'Thus ends a journey marked by manifold mercies, pleas- 
ures, useful labors, and gratifying events. Many valuable 
friendships formed; — religious and personal influence extended; 
— the cause both of Jews and heathen furthered; — knowledge 
gained, love increased, and Christian esteem established and 
cemented. — Gloria Deo in excelsisP^ 

^'Jlugustj 1815. Commenced a journey for the Jews' and 
Church Missionary Societies. 

'^ — 24. In passing through Bakewell, went to see Mr. 
Watson's geological museum. His arguments' and illustra- 
tions by specimens, in favor of the volcanic origin of the Der- 
byshire hills, strata, Sec. are very extraordinary. 

" — 27. Preached at Bolton, to betwe en three and four 
thousand people, for the Sunday schools. Collection — 169/. 
12s. od. A magnificent appearance. The singing was grand 
and impressive in the highest degree. Anthems, Handel's 
choruses, 8lc. were sung, and accompanied by trumpets, horns, 
&.C. in a very fine style indeed. My mind was much affected, 
and I found considerable enlargement, though not without 
much inward temptation and struggle to the contrary. 

" — 29. Set off from Bolton, northwards. At Preston, 
saw the Rev. Mr. T. and Mr. H. Was much pressed on 
the subject of their Bible meeting. Dined at Garstang, where 
my grandfather was vicar, from about sixty-five to eighty-five 
years ago. Proceeded to Lancaster: saw some noble views 
in the way. Here I caught the first view of the mountains. 
Arrived at the Rev. Mr. H's: a delightful family: the grace 
of God indeed appears here. We made arrangements for 
my preaching at Lancaster, on Sept. 10th. 

'^ — 30. Went to see Lancaster church and castle. The 
latter is grand in a very high degree. The modern Gothic 
court-houses exceed any thing I have ever seen. The view 
from thence superb: sea, estuaries, castles, mountains, Slc, 
form a beautiful display of scenery. Examined the interior 
of the castle, visited the criminals, &c. Had much affecting 
information from Mr. H. relative to some criminals^ executed 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 141 

at various periods. What a picture of man does a gaol afford! 
— how it reminds me of the saying of John Bradford, the re- 
former, on seeing a criminal taken to the place of execution — 
^But for the grace of God, there goes John Bradford.' 

'^ Kendal, Sept. 3. Preached for the Jews, in the morning, 
from Mark xvi. 15; in the evening, from Psalm li. 18. Met 
many excellent friends, at Mrs. R.'s. The whole day most 
agreeably and Christianly spent. 

" — 5. An excellent Jews' anniversary meeting at Kendal. 
Every thing went off well. A large dinner-party at Mrs. R.'s, 
consisting of Mrs. P., and about twenty other friends. The 
whole day profitably spent. 

<<_6. Mrs. R. and Mr. R. W., set out with me for 
Bowness. Saw Winandermere Lake with astonishment and 
delight. Proceeded to Ambleside, where I had a very pleas- 
ing conversation with the Bishop of Llandaff. Proceeded, 
through the enchanting road by Rydal Water, Grassmere, 
Leathes Water, Helvellyn, Slc, to Keswick, whose beauties 
baffle all description. Our conversation was Christian and 
edifying, — all having the greatest enjoyment in the scenery 
and its accompaniments. 

" — 7. Rose early, and walked to examine the beauti- 
ful mountain of Skiddaw" After breakfast, went round 
Keswick Lake. Saw the Barrow Cascades, Lowdore Water- 
fall, Borrowdale Falls, Bowder Stone, &lc. All beyond my 
description, or previous conception. After dinner, sailed on 
the lake, with some other friends. All was serene, — lovely, 
' — delightful! The Lowdore canon was fired: the echo of the 
many mountains produced a peal of perfect thunder. We 
sang hymns on the Lake by sun-set and moon-light: the effect 
may be better conceived than written. 

'^ — 8. Set off at six, for Ulleswater: beauty and wonder 
in profusion. Saw the great mountain of Saddleback, and a 
Druidical circle of stone. Crossed the Lake of Winander- 
mere, by the west. Exquisite moonlight! Arrived at Kendal 
at night. Of these three days, — my companions, — my enjoy- 
ments, I would write, but I cannot; they have left an indeli- 
ble trace; and I bless God for the mercy. 

" — 10, {Sunday), Went to Tunstal, and preached for 
the Jews. Collection — 20/. 5s. Sd. Proceeded to Lancas- 
ter, and preached again for the Jews. Collection — 39/. Ss. 
A fine congregation. Much help from above throughout the 
day. 

13 



142 MEMOIRS OF THE 

''Sept. 1 1 . Dined with dear Mrs. P., at S. Lodge. A most 
profitable and spiritual party. It was suddenly proposed after 
dinner, that I should preach a lecture that night at Lancaster. 
At two hours' notice, about 1000 people were collected. 
I preached from Heb. xiii, 8. 

'' — . 12. Went to breakfast at Leighton Hall: passed 
an affectionate day with my mother and sister. My mother, 
near eighty, walked a mile and a half, — God preserve her! 
Had much religious conversation. 

"—13. Went to C. Hall, the seat of the excellent C. 
W., Esq. Viewed the exquisitely romantic beauties of 
Kirby-Lonsdale church, church-yard, and bridge. In tlie 
evening, expounded the 23d Psalm to a large company of 
friends and neighbors. 

'' — 14. Left this interesting and most edifying' family. 
Proceeded to Knaresborough. Arrived at the friendly house 
of Mr. C; and preached, the following day, for the Jews, 
from Luke xxiv. 47. Collection — 36/. 18s. 2d. 

''Leeds J {Sunday,) — 17. Preached at St. Paul's in the 
morning, for the Heathen. Collection — 46/. In the after- 
noon, at St. John's. Collection — 20/. In the evening, at 
St. James's. Collection — 29/. Texts, Psalm xcvi; Rom. 
X.; Psalm Ixxxix. Had much support throughout the day. 

" — 18. A delightful anniversary meeting of the Church 
Missionary Society. Mr. Corrie, from India, gave spme 
most interesting details respecting that country, Abdool Mes- 
see, &.C. Many excellent speeches: great savor and spiritual- 
ity throughout the whole. Dined at Mr. Hey's, with Mr. 
Corrie, &,c. 

" — 24. [Sunday,) Preached at St. Stephens's Salford, 
for the Sunday schools, from John iii. 14, 15. Very good 
congregation. In the afternoon, preached again for the 
schools, from Psalm Ixxii. 4. Collection — 70/. Preached in 
the evening, at St. Clement's, from Gen. xii. 1, 2, 3. Con- 
gregation overflowing. I find by a letter, that Mr. C, of 
Bradford, has through me, anonymously, given 85/. 135. 
to the church mission. 

" — 29. Attended the Jewish anniversary. It was ren- 
dered most interesting by the particulars communicated about 
a converted Jew, Emanuel Lemond, who died at Manchester. 
I went afterwards to the house where he died, and spent two 
hours in deep affection, listening to the simple narratives of 
facts, from various persons, concerning this singular convert. 
Brought away some memorials of him. A very good day 
indeed. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 143 

'^Huddersfield, Oct, 1. Preached for the Church Mission- 
ary Society, from Acts xxvii. 23. Collection — 541. Church 
much crowded. Preached in the afternoon, at Slathwaite 
chapel, from Mark xvi. 15. Above two thousand persons 
present. In the evening preached at Longwood chapel, from 
P§alm Ixxxix. 15, 16. An immense multitude. Upwards of 
80Z. collected at these three services. Had a day of great 
labor and apparent usefulness. Was carried through very 
mercifully, in all the three sermons. I hear of good effects 
from my sermons of last year in this vicinity, particularly 
that at Huddersfield, from Eph. iii. on the love of Christ." 

As the remaining parts of this tour refer to places already 
mentioned in the preceding accounts, we forbear to insert 
them, though they afford ample testimony to the usefulness of 
his labors. 

The perusal of this journal will probably awaken different 
reflections, in proportion as the mind is impressed with the 
importance of missionary undertakings. It requires some 
portion of moral elevation justly to estimate the spirit and aim 
of a man, who, to use the words of the venerable Leighton, 
counted ''the whole world, in comparison with the cross of 
Christ, one grand impertinence." To those who see not the 
exalted desig^n of the Christian dispensation; its adaptation 
to the wants of all mankind, and the consequent duty of 
disseminating its blessed and holy truths; the zeal of Mr. 
Richmond will appear to have been overcharged. But he who 
faithfully lays before his thoughts, the awful and abominable 
idolatries of his fellow-creatures, and connects these evils with 
the solemn and affecting declaration of the Bible, — "the 
wages of sin is death," — even "the bitter pains of eternal 
death;" — will in his own deliverance from them, "count all 
things but loss, for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ 
Jesus his Lord;" and will burn with a zeal even to his con- 
suming, till "all flesh shall see the salvation of God." 

It is evident that these fragments were not intended for the 
public eye. They are the simple details of daily occurrences; 
designed, perhaps, to interest his family, and to keep alive in 
his own remembrance a sense of the divine goodness. Yet, 
on this account, they may be regarded as the more faithful 
transcripts of the scenes through which he passed, and of his 
views respecting them. It is impossible to read without pre- 
judice, the facts recorded, and not discern in them the man of 
God; — his time spent in laborious and incessant occupation; — 



144 MEMOIRS OF THE 

a piety fervent, but rational; with less admixture of human 
infirmity, than may be found in the diaries of many other good 
men; — a holy elevation of spirit in the pursuit and possession 
of his object, combined with deep humility; — a habit of devo- 
tion, and increasing personal piety, in the midst of almost 
universal respect and popularity; — a sense of danger, and 
constant prayer to be preserved from it ; — and what, perhaps 
is more than all, in the midst of labors unceasing, various, and 
exciting, ahroady — a constant eye to the claims at home. 

The editor has no inclination to amplify the preceding 
remarks on the missionary tours of his friend, except from 
a desire of rendering them useful to those excellent men, who 
are following the course in which he took the lead. Mr. 
Richmond needed more repose than he allowed himself, and 
shortened his valuable life by over exertion. There is much 
error in the trite maxim often quoted, ^'it is better to wear 
out than rust out:" for surely, it is a point of practical wisdom, 
to preserve a medium between indolence and over-effort: and 
the editor cannot but consider that exertion beyond the limits 
assigned to human power is little better than a moral suicide. 
If good men were to satisfy themselves of the sinfulness of 
over-strained activity, they would submit to the rein for con- 
science' sake. It appears, that besides the fatigue of hasten- 
ing from one place to another to fulfil his engagements, Mr. 
Richmond generally preached three sermons on the sabbath, 
and often five or six more in the course of the week. His 
fatigue was also increased by the crowded congregations that 
assembled to hear him. The hours which should have been 
given to a cessation from labor, were unceasingly occupied, in 
conducting family worship, and conversing at every meal with 
persons who were invited to meet him. On these occasions 
he took, as was expected, a prominent part in the conversa- 
tion; which, however useful to others, must have insensibly 
exhausted his strength. The writer, who accompanied him 
in some of these tours, often expressed a fear that he would 
soon become a wreck in mind and body, as the inevitable 
result of such continued exertions. His reply was generally 
the same, '*I am not fatigued; I do not feel it:" but it was 
impossible not to entertain the apprehension, that imbecility, 
or a premature old age, must ultimately succeed such unceas- 
ing and exhausting efforts. The political and religious world 
have had some beacons held out to them, from which they 
might gather an instructive warning, and learn to acknowl- 
edge the wisdom of a remark made by an estimable cbarac- 



r 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 145 

ter, "I labor less, that I may labor the longer;" he might 
have addedj '^vith greater benefit to the church of God, in 
the season of matured experience and ripened judgment." 
In the midst of these multiplied engagements, the writer could 
not refrain from asking his friend, 'S^hence do you obtain 
supplies for these extraordinary demands?" Hours of retire- 
ment and meditation are necessary to every Christian; still 
more necessary to the minister of religion; and most of all to 
those who are exposed to the temptations and distractions of 
public life. The largest reservoir will fail, unless it receives 
continual supplies. Mr. Richmond, in these circumstances, 
felt his need of redoubled watchfulness and prayer: he not 
only rose early in the morning to seek communion with the 
Father of spirits, and retired, as early as circumstances 
allowed, from the converse of man, that he might renew his 
strength in waiting upon God; but it was the constant habit 
of his mind throughout the day, by secret ejaculations, to draw 
down help from above. 

Besides this, he had by previous research collected his 
materials, and by close study had so mastered his subject, 
that he required less time for preparation than most men. 
He would often arrange his ideas for a sermon, as he was 
travelling to the place where it was to be delivered; and 
the abundance of his resources, together with a remarkable 
facility of utterance, contributed to lessen his labor. What 
most excited surprise, was the diversified manner in which 
be would treat the same subject. An esteemed friend of 
the writer's once assured him, that he went to hear Mr. 
Richmond preach three sermons on one Sunday. He said, 
he expected there would be, of course, a similarity in the 
discourses; and yet they proved to be as varied as if they 
had been delivered by three different preachers. 

He has been known to have collected in these excursions 
from 800/. to 1000/.; and he once told the editor, that the 
fruits of one of these journies were not less than 1200/. But 
though money forms the sinews of charity no less than of 
war, and is indipensable to the operations of every society; 
it was the establishment of missionarij vieios and principleSy 
the correction of errors, the removal of prejudices, and the 
enforcement of the claims of Jews and Gentiles on the prayers 
and benevolence of the Christian public, which formed one of 
the most prominent features of usefulness in these tours. We 
may add another, of which he never lost sight, namely, the 
close connexion of the missionary cause with the advancement 
13* 



146 MEMOIRS OF THE 

of personal piety. While he spoke of the souls of the 
Heathen or Jews, he faithfully reminded his hearers of their 
own; admonished them of their obligation to improve their 
Christian privileges; and of the possibility of many, at the 
last day, being admitted ^^from the east, and from the west, 
and from the north, and from the south," while the children 
of the kingdom might be cast out! — that nominal Christianity 
was, after all, little better than Heathen ignorance; while it 
involved greater guilt, and a more tremendous responsibility: 
— that personal religion was one of the best securities for 
missionary zeal and exertion; and that no one was likely 
ever to be successfully engaged in communicating the Gospel 
to others, who had not first felt its power and experienced its 
peace in his own heart. 

The writer of this Memoir can state, from repeated observ- 
ation, that the improved tone of moral feeling, and of attach- 
ment to the distinguishing truths of the Gospel, which is now 
so perceptible throughout the kingdom, may, to a considerable 
extent, be traced to the influence of these, and similar mis- 
sionary excursions. He has often heard his lamented friend 
observe, in the earlier days of these institutions, — "the public 
mind is gradually undergoing a great moral revolution. Chris- 
tians are acquiring more enlarged views of the nature of 
their religion, and the obligation to impart it. In com- 
municating it to others, they are increasingly impressed 
with its importance to themselves. Ten or twelve leading 
men are doing all the work and bearing the burden and heat 
of the day. It will be comparatively easy for those who 
come after us; but the prejudice, the opposition, and the con- 
flict of opinion, it is ours to encounter; and these difficulties 
are good for us; for they convince us of our own weakness, 
and shew the excellency of the cause, and the power and 
strength of God in its success and progress." We copy an 
extract from a letter to his aunt, in which the same senti- 
ments are expressed. "Incalculable is the national good 
which is daily springing up from such exertions. It now ap- 
pears capable of demonstration, that the moral wilderness 
will eventually blossom as the rose, through the blessing of 
God on Bible and Missionary institutions. The opposition of 
error and prejudice seems to languish and decay; while the 
triumphant career of sacred benevolence conveys life, light, 
peace, and love; and bears unequivocal evidence to the uni- 
yerse, that ^God is with us of a truth. ^ '^ 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 147 

We have already stated, that Mr. Richmond's popularity 
did not appear to exercise an injurious effect on his mind. It 
must be acknowledged that ministers of great popular talents 
are exposed to much danger; particularly from the indiscreet 
admiration of some of their followers, who forget that minis- 
ters, like other men, share in the common corruptions of 
fallen nature. But it may be observed, that the singular 
simplicity and unfeigned humility of Mr. Richmond, was a 
great preservative from the ensnaring tendency of human ap- 
plause. The writer can declare, from long observation of his 
friend, that no man more uniformly abstained from the lan- 
guage of praise towards others, or discouraged it more unre- 
servedly towards himself. 

Those too, who suppose that engagements of a public na- 
ture are an unbroken career of success and popularity, are 
much mistaken. The advocates of a public cause have much 
to try their faith and patience. There are fightings without 
and fears within; subjects of deep humiliation in their own 
experience; and a necessity for much meekness, to bear with 
the unreasonable opposition of enemies, and the prejudices 
and mistakes of friends. Their divine Master leaves them 
not without a holy discipline, to keep them low at his feet, 
and humble in their own eyes. 

Mr. Richmond had the habit of connecting every thing with 
God. Every event, pleasurable or painful; every object in 
nature, or work of human ingenuity, suggested a subject for 
devout contemplation, and filled his soul with holy affections. 
He seemed to possess, in religion, the secret once attributed 
to recondite philosophy; — all he touched became gold, which 
he converted to his own use, and to the benefit of others. 
This holy transmutation made every place a Bethel, and 
every object a cause of some pious emotion; and thus circum- 
stances ensnaring in their natural tendency, were made to 
him the medium of nearer access to God. 

In illustration of this remark we quote the following, ^Re- 
flections suggested during a Tour in Westmoreland and Lan- 
cashire, with two valued friends;' and a Poetical effusion, 
written after visiting the grave of Hervey, in Northamp- 
tonshire. 

"There is a peculiar sweetness in the recollection of those 
hours which we have spent with friends of a kindred spirit, 
amidst the beauties of created nature. The Christian can 
alone find that congeniality in associates, who not only pos- 
sess a lively and cultivated sense of the high beauty which 



148 MEMOIRS OF TUE 

landscape scenery presents to the eye; but who can also see 
creation's God in ererj feature of the prospect. The painter 
can imitate, the poet describe, and the tourist talk with 
ecstacj of the sublime and beautiful objects which constitute 
the scene before him. But he only can be said to enjoy them 
aright, whose talents, taste, and affections, are consecrated 
to the glory of Him by whom "all things were made, and with- 
out whom was not any thing made that was made.' When 
the pencil that traces the rich and animated landscape of 
mountains, lakes, and trees, is guided by a gTateful heart as 
well as by a skilful hand; then the picture becomes no less 
an acceptable oiiering to God, than it is a source of well- 
directed pleasure to the mind of man. And when the poet, 
in harmonious numbers, makes hill and dale responsive to his 
song, happy is it if his heart be in unison with the harp of 
David, and if he can call on all created nature, to join in one 
universal chorus of gratitude and praise. The Christian 
traveller best enjoys scenes like these. In every wonder, he 
sees the hand that made it; — in every landscape, the bounty 
that adorns it; — in rivers, fields, and forests, the Providence 
that ministers to the wants of man: — in every surrounding 
object, he sees an emblem of his own spiritual condition; — 
himself a stranger and a pilgrim, journeying on through a 
country of wonders and beauties; alternately investioatinc*, 
admiring, and praising the works of his Maker, and antici- 
pating a holy and happy eternity, to be spent in the Paradise 
of God, where the prospects are ever new, and the landscapes 
never fade from the sight!" 

ON VISmXG THE GRA^T OF HER'^'EY. 

'*OI for the exp.?.r.'-: ; rn n i thai soars on hi^, 
Rangfing- afar wab : . ; ■.? ion's eye! 
Thai climbs the heights oi" yonder starry road; 
RisiDg through nature^ up to nature's Godl 

"O! for a heart that seeks the sacred gloom 
Which hovers round the precincts of the tombi 
While fancy, musing there, sees visions bright; 
In death discovering life. — in darkness light! 

"OI for a soul to trace a Saviours power. 

In each sweet form that decks the blooming flower! 

And, as I wander such fair scenes among, 

1*11 make the Rose of Sharon all my song. 

'•What though the chilling blasts of winter's day 
Forbid the garden longer to be gay? 
Of winter yet Fll not refuse to sing. 
Thus to be followed by eternal spring! 



REV* LEGH RICHMOND. 149 

"Hervey! be thou my guide to point the road 
That leads far hence, to yonder blest abode! 
Grant me his faith, thou good, thou great Most High! 
Let me like Hervey live, — like Hervey die!'' 

We next insert an extract from a letter^ addressed to his 
aunt, in the year 1817, in allusion to a report that his public 
services were recompensed by a salary. 

"This subject reminds me of an observation which you 
made when I lately saw you, and to which I for a moment 
beg to draw your attention. You said that some person had 
told either you or Mrs. M. that I received some pecuniary 
compensation for my services in behalf of the religious insti- 
tutions for which I am in the habit of pleading. I must 
request that justice may be done to me, and to the cause 
which I espouse. The report is false, in every possible point 
of view. I never did^ nor ever would, accept of a single 
farthing, from a single individual. The whole has ever been 
completely gratuitous, and disinterested. Many valuable cler- 
gymen are pursuing the same path of usefulness in their 
occasional excursions from home: but they act as volunteers, 
and not as hirelings; we seek no reward in this world, but that 
of seeing good done, and mankind benefited. Let this inju- 
rious report be repelled; let not prejudice and mistake operate 
to the disadvantage of truth and charity. I can say, for one, 
that if ever the least departure were to take place from the 
disinterested plan of serving the societies gratuitously,* I would 
instantly abandon the ranks of their public defenders and 
advocates. My services arise from conscientious principle, 
and are neither directly nor obliquely connected with pecuni- 
ary advantage; but quite the reverse, if all were known. 
Some people seem to doubt the possibility of disinterested 
activity. Alas! they know not the motives which Chris- 
tianity inspires. Christ said for himself, and for all true 
Christians, *My kingdom is not of this world.' May we all 
fully know what that important text means." 

But the question which will no doubt principally suggest 
itself to the reader, is the following: — 

Hoiv was his place supplied in his parish during these 
excursions ? 

* An exception is, of course, here implied in behalf of, the regular official 
agents of the public societies. 



150 MEMOIRS OF THE 

It was his fixed determination, never to enter upon a public 
engagement, till a provision had been made for the services 
of his parish; and he seldom left home without procuring a 
resident minister. Subsequently, when the claims of the dif- 
ferent public societies, and the calls of his distant friends, 
required him to give up a certain portion of his time, he 
appointed a regular curate, who united with that office the 
care and tuition of his children; that neither his family nor 
his people might suffer any diminution of their accustomed 
privileges by his absence. The following letter, addressed 
to a clergyman who was his temporary representative during 
one of these journies, will prove that he was not satisfied with 
merely procuring a substitute, but that it was his earnest wish 
to secure the conscientious and efficient performance of the 
duty: — 

^^My dear Sir, 

^^I hope this will meet you in good health. In committing 
my flock to your care for a season, I earnestly pray God 
that you and they may prosper, and profit together. I will 
add a few words explanatory of my usual proceedings. I 
have, on Sunday morning and afternoon, full services. My 
evening service is for the Sunday school, and I always ad- 
dress them in the most free and simple manner. If ever you 
speak without full notes, this would be your occasion; if not, 
let the children be the especial object of your evening minis- 
try, in that way wherein God shall direct your heart and lips. 

"You will naturally wish to know my usual matter and 
manner of preaching. In matter, I keep the Lord Jesus 
Christ continually i^resenty and experimentally applied to the 
consciences, affections, and understandings of the hearers: my 
people are constantly used to the exhibition of the saving offi- 
ces of Christ, as prophet, priest, and king, — all and in all: — 
strengthening, comforting, guiding, and making the believing 
sinner meet for the inheritance of the saints in light. I 
preach the duties of Christians, not as detached and separa- 
ble appendages to doctrines, but as intimately connected, and 
infallibly mixed with them, and flowing from them: still keep- 
ing the work of the Holy Spirit in view, as convincing, direct- 
ing, and revealing Jesus as the principle of both justification 
by faith alone, and of sanctification through the Holy Spirit. 
These rich, never-failing, fruitful, and consolatory truths, I 
feel to be the great subject and object of the Christian min- 
istry; and as such, I have ever preached them fully, freely, 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 151 

and experimentally. Give them, my clear sir, these plain 
scriptural truths in godly simplicity, and they will love and 
bless you. In point of length, I vfould recommend from 35 
to 45 minutes as the extreme limits. 

"As to manner j my first object is, to exhibit affection, 
earnestness, and a real desire that every sentiment and every 
sentence may profit the hearts of my hearers. 

"I rely on your brotherly and friendly feelings to allow for 
the frankness of these accounts of my unworthy self, as I am 
sure you would wish me to explain the objects so near my 
heart. 

"On Friday evening I have a lecture, to a small but listen- 
ing people. In hay and harvest time it is much reduced. My 
valued friend, Mr. Barker, will afford you any and every in- 
fornmtion coi^cerning parochial matters. He will introduce you 
to some of t|ie sick, and other poor people; and you will find 
religious conversational intercourse in visiting the poor, a sure 
road to their hearts; and, during my absence, no small satis- 
faction to mine. 

"Mr. Barker will tell you all about my new school plans, 
in which he is very useful to me. In all these things, my dear 
sir, you will now, for a season, be my substitute. Pray to 
God for direction; and after, pray for your absent friend. Do 
the work of an evangelist, — resting on the special promises 
made to ministers and flocks. Be sincere, humble, affection- 
ate, and earnest; — keep close to the Gospel of our blessed 
Master, in private and in public; and may He comfort and 
strengthen you in all things. 

"Be so kind to be exact in the times of commencing the 
different services. Sunday morning, at ten; afternoon, at half 
past two; evening, at six; Friday evening, at a quarter before 
seven. 

"In the same spirit in which I have written to you on .my 
feelings and wishes as a minister, I now also wish you to re- 
ceive these expressions as a friend and a brother; and to be 
assured that I am, very affectionately and faithfully, your's, 

Legh Richmond." 

^^Rev. Mr. R -s, TurvetjJ' 

He was also in the habit, on these occasions, of writing 
pastoral letters to his people, to convince them that, though 
absent for a season, he was still not unmindful of their spiritual 
welfare. These epistles are written with much plainness of 
style, united with useful admonitions, and suitable references 



152 MEMOIRS OF THE 

to the circumstances of the parish. The Rev. Mr. Ward, 
the excellent minister of Iver, has long* adopted this practice 
on a more extended scale, by addressing a yearly epistle to 
his parishioners, containing the substance of his pastoral 
thoughts and reflections: and we think this example worthy of 
being recommended to general imitation; as they are pleas- 
ing memorials of affection and zeal, and seem calculated to 
strengthen the bond of union which ought ever to subsist 
between a minister and his people. We shall not now insert 
those of Mr. Richmond, because they contain allusions to 
events which we have not yet had the opportunity of relating; 
and because we are desirous of presenting the reader with 
the various details of his public engagements without the in- 
terruption of other subjects. 

Perhaps some may be disposed to think that the excite- 
ment and popularity of Mr. Richmond's public life, might dis- 
qualify him for the more homely and retired duties of a 
country parish priest. 

That he returned with his mind deeply impressed with 
the importance of the cause which he had been pleading, is 
most true; but the use that he made of this impression was 
to endeavor to enkindle in the breasts of others, the flame 
which warmed and animated his own. He therefore drew 
attention to these subjects, — introduced them into his ser- 
mons; described the state of the heathen world; — their idol- 
atries, — their atrocious rites; — the burning of women on the 
funeral pile, — their awful ignorance, — their perishing state; 
and the bounden duty of Christians to send them that Gospel 
which the mercy of God had put into their own hands. These 
communications were then novel, and excited considerable 
interest. 

It has been said that such objects are too remote to en- 
gage the attention of the poor; and that their poverty disa- 
bles them from contributing to their support. But the princi- 
pal qualification for appreciating missions is a sense of the 
worth of an immortal soul: and he who knows the value of his 
own soul, be he poor or rich, needs no other argument to in- 
spire him with a desire to save the souls of others: and it 
must be mentioned to the honor of the lower classes, that 
they have been found to be valuable and efficient friends of 
missionary exertions; not only by the fervor of their prayers, 
but also by the amount of their pecuniary contributions. To 
many of them may be applied the touching commendation of 
the apostle, when speaking of the poor disciples of Corinth, — 



F REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 153 

^'In a great trial of affliction, the abundance of their joy, 
and their deep poverty, abounded unto the riches of their lib- 
erality, for to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond 
their power, they were willing of themselves; praying us, with 
much intreaty, that we would receive the gift, and take upon 
us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints: and this they 
did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own-selves to the 
Lord, and unto us by the ivill of God."^^ 2 Cor. viii, 2 — 5. 

The people of Turvey soon expressed a desire to contribute 
their aid; and a Bible and Missionary Society were accord- 
ingly established. Mr. Richmond found the introduction of 
these subjects to be attended with the happiest effects. His 
people acquired more enlarged views; they read their Bibles 
with increasing interest; comprehended better the scope of 
prophecy, and the future spread of the everlasting Gospel 
among all the nations of the world; they prayed for its ac- 
complishment, and the cause of missions became dear to their 
hearts. There was also a re-action upon themselves, — they 
were led to a more earnest examination of their own state 
before God. In reading the simple narratives of poor negroes 
mourning for their sins, or rejoicing in the peace and consola- 
tions of the Gospel, they caught the happy contagion; they 
wondered to see emotions described so like their own; discov- 
ered that the human heart is every where the same; and that 
the grace of God, confined to no clime or color, can impart 
its saving influences to men of every nation, tongue, and kin- 
dred. In thinking of the souls of others, they became in- 
creasingly interested for their own; and learned to implore 
that grace with renewed earnestness for themselves, the trans- 
forming power and efficacy of which they saw, in the instance 
of a once-benighted heathen. 

Another question may occur. 

Did his family sustain no injury by his frequent absence 
from them? 

They were left in the hands of an excellent mother; to 
whose assiduous and affectionate care, none bore a more will- 
ing or frequent testimony than Mr. Richmond. But his own 
ceaseless solicitude for the welfare of his children will be best 
shewn by the following letters; together with some valuable 
admonitions addressed to his daughters, and rules for their 
ge-t^ral conduct and deportment. 
14 



I 



154 MEMOIRS OF THE 

. V 
October, 1815. 

^^My dear Child, — This may probably reach you on your 
birth-day. It is' a day which should remind you of the im- 
portance of time, and the swift approach of eternity. It bids 
you remember your Creator in the days of your youth. But 
have you ever done so aright? Have you seen yourself a sin- 
ner, and gone to the blood of Christ for pardon? Forms and 
notions never yet saved a soul; and have you, indeed, ever 
gone further than forms and notions? My child, be in earnest; 
it is no triile whether you have real grace or not: it is every 
thing to ascertain this point, and to act upon it. Do you feel 
a burden of sin for daily offences? — do you repent? — do you 
pray from the heart ? Suppose God were to see good to bring 
you to a bed of death, where are your evidences that you are 
really his child? Think in how many ways you have offended 
him in thought, word, and deed! What but a Saviour's blood 
can wipe the guilt away ? 

"It is full time, my dear F , that you shew a decision 

of character, in that humble yet determined separation of life, 
which distinguishes a comm.on (alas! too common,) nominally 
Christian child, from a child that believes in Christ, loves God, 
and is taught by the Holy Spirit. 

"Secret, free prayer, is a great testimony that a work of 
grace is begun. But do you thus pray? Have you found out 
the sins into which you are most liable to fall, and most easily 
tempted to commit? These are your bosom foes, and must be 
resisted in a different strength from any which you naturally 
possess. That strength is only to be obtained in Christ, and 
by believing in him and him alone. Grace, free grace, reigns 
in every step of the Christian progress. Do you ever feel 
these things as a matter of uneasiness, or desire, or hope, or 
fear? It will not satisfy me, and I hope it will not satisfy 
you, that you have had so many advantages of a Christian 
education, unless you prove to yourself and me, that there i? 
a work of the Spirit in your heart. What a delightful c^'-^- 
play the Lord gave us of his goodness and power, who- 
dear and beloved woman, your mother and my wife 
highest earthly privilege to call her so,) lay, a^ 
on the bed of death! You cannot have foro-r'. 
that saw it ever could. But that day wp' 
consolation for us; — oh! may we use \ 
deceive yourself, — mere natural fe^' 

are not enough. Sin, sin is i^ < 

therefore must you weep. ^ .o 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 155 

for ever from his Father's sight. Angels rejoice when chil- 
dren weep for sin. ;^ 

"Read 'Little Jane I' Two Sunday scholars at Manches- 
ter have been converted to God this summer, by reading it; — 
and must my oivn dear child heed it not. I trust not. Pray, dear 

F ^, for faith and love to the Saviour. Happy shall I be to 

hear from yourself (when it does indeed come from your heart,) 
either by letter or word of mouth, that you feel a true con- 
cern for your never-dying soul. And so may God give you 
many happy years, if it so please him. If not, may he take 
you, as a pardoned sinner, to himself, in his own time. — Love 
to my dear H. 

''From her and your truly affectionate father. 

"Tell H., that I write every word of this for her, as well 
as for you." 

Keswick, Oct. 16; 1815. 

"My dear Daughter, 

"The exquisite beauty and sublimity of this country 
almost makes a pen move of itself. Never did I pass so 
beautiful a day as this at the Lakes. I shall sing the praises 
of October, as the loveliest of months. This morning, at six 
o'clock, I was walking on the banks of Winandermere, to 
catch a sun-rise. I had every thing I could wish, and ob- 
served the progress of day with delight. The mysterious 
rolling of clouds across the hills announced the first influence 
of the sun. Tints the most beauteous skirted the eastern 
clouds; those on the west caught them as by sympathy. Va- 
rious patches of mountains soon gleamed with the reflection 
of the yet unseen luminary;- and such innumerable vicissitudes 
of light and shade, and claro obscuro^ filled the scene, as no 
tongue can describe. The lake, in all its length of thirteen 
miles, lay beneath me, with its thirty islands. I heard the 
. early lowing of the cows, the bleating of the sheep, the neigh- 
ing of the horses, the twittering of the birds, the rustling of 
the breefie, the rippling of the water, and dashing of the oar, 
in a gentle kind of harmony. The sun advanced, and threw 
a blaze of magnificent lustre over this Paradisaical landscape. 
I soon crossed over the Lake, and passed through rich scenes 
of wonder and loveliness. I saw Coniston and Grasmere 
Lakes, under circumstances of peculiar advantage. Clusters 
of mountains and lesser hills, clothed with crags, brown fern, 
red lichens, green grass, purple heath, bushes, barren gulleys, 
cascades, wild streaks, rolling mists, bright sun-shine, &.c. 



1 



156 MEMOIRS OF THE 

presented incessant variety. Hill towered above hill, — 
Alpine peaks reyed their heads, — groves filled the valleys, 
and cottages were sprinkled in wild profusion. 

'^I dined at a little romantic inn, at the foot of the 
mountain Helvellyn. The Lake of Leatheswater extended 
its four miles' length close by. My parlor window faced the 
great hill; — a mountain stream fell from a great height, tum- 
bling with a murmuring sound down into the vale. Something 
dimmed the pane of glass through which I viewed it. On in- 
spection, I found the following lines, written with a dia- 
mond: — 

'Flow, mountain streamlet, swiftly flow, 
And fertilize the vale belowj — 
Sweet emblem of that ^acious love 
Which pours down blessings from above: 
The stream of mercy, Lord! is thine, — 
The lowly heart that feels it. mine.' 

^^On another pane was written — 

'Forg-et not, mortal traveller, thou mtist die. 
Before thy journey's end, ask, — -Where am I?' ' 

'^And once more — 

'These lovely- scenes before mine eyes 
Form a terrestial Paradise. 
But this shall quickly pass away: 
Then seek one in eierual day.' 

''Thence I advanced to Keswick. Before me stood the 
giants of the scenery, Skiddaw and Saddleback, — in sublime 
beauty, not to be expressed. Their length, their breadth, their 
height, their wildness, their roughness, their smoothness, their 
surface, their profile, their tout ensemble^ most grand, most 
interesting. Ai length the Lakes of Derwentwater and Bas- 
senthwaites burst upon the eye with all the charms that 
painters and poets love, and which Christians know how to 
love, far better than either. The scene from a hill, a mile on 
the road from Keswick, so much exceeds the powdB of my 
pen to describe, that I can only say, — 'How amiable are thy 
tabernacles,' O Lord, the Creator! 

''I watched the moon decline on the lake, and then studied 
the whole scene by the finest star-light I ever beheld. Mars 
is now in the east, like Jupiter; yea, bright as a moon. The 
Great Bear hangs pendant exactly over Skiddaw, and Mars 
rises triumphantly over the summit of Saddleback; the Galaxy 
sweeps over the hemisphere, white as milk, and clear as 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 167 

moon-light. All is solemn, silent, peaceful. I write you this 
faint breathing of expression. Could you copy these scenes, 
I should be proud of your company here: I trust some day 
you will. 

^'This morning, as I stood on an eminence, looking down on 
the exquisitely-lovely Lake of Grasmere, environed by its 
amphitheatre of mountains, a momentary shower produced a 
rainbow; — it extended from hill to hill, over the valley, and 
seemed like a bridge for angels to pass over from one district 
of Paradise to another: 

^^And as they pass, let angels sing 
The wonders of creation^s Kingj 
And while they tune their harps to praise^ 
I'd gladly catch their solemn lays5 
Unite with theirs my feeble tongue, 
And give to grati tude my song." 



^My dear M- 



> 



^'I leave you, in much love, a few fatherly hints. 

1. Be constant in private prayer. 

2. Be wise in the choice of books; shun every thing of the 
romance and novel kind; and even in poetry, keep to what is 
useful and instructive, as well as pleasant. 

3. In company, shew that the principles of your father's 
house and ministry are your rule of conduct, and your real 
delight. Be consistent; — cheerful, but not light; conversible, 
but not trifling. 

4. Keep ever in view, that you are supporting my character 
and credit, as well as your own. 

5. Shew a marked preference to such conversation, remarks, 
persons, discussions, and occupations as may. tend to essential 
good. 

6. Always think before you speak; say and do neither 
hastily nor unadvisedly. 

7. If any proposal is ever made to you, in which you hesi- 
tate how to act, first say to yourself, — how would God have 
me to act.'' Secondly, — what would my parents have me to do 
if they were here to advise me? 

8. Never lose sight of this: that the more public my name, 
character, and ministry are become, the more eyes and ears 
are turned to my childrens' conduct; they are expected, in 
knowledge and circumspection, in religion and morals, in 
opinions and habits, to shew where they have been educated; 
and to adorn, not only their Christian profession, but their 
parents' principles. 

14=* 



158 MEMOIRS OF THE 

9. In music, prefer serious to light compositions; and in 
vocal, keep close to sacred words. 

10. Pray much for your affectionate father, 

Legh Richmond. 

'T. S. I send you the following application of a sermon, 
from-Eph. v. 15, 16: — 

On circumspection of walk; redemption of time; and gen^ 
eral transparencij of character, 

1. Adhere most scrupulously to truth; and labor to preserve 
the strictest integrity, simplicity, and sincerity. 

2. Engage in no pursuit in which you cannot look up unto 
God, and say, ^Bless me in this, O my Father I' 

3. Strive to be as kind, forbearing, and forgiving as you 
can, both to friends and foes. 

4. Never speak evil of any one, on any pretence whatever. 

5. Strive to recommend religion by the curtesy, civility, 
and condescending character of your conduct. 

6. Watch against irritation, positiveness, unkind speaking, 
and anger: study and promote love. 

7. Mortify lusts, sensuality, and sloth. 

8. Never allow others to speak well of you; nor especially 
yourself, to say or think any thing of yourself, but as poorly 
done. Keep down pride; let it not be indulged for a moment, 
and watch against it. 

9. Shut out evil imaginations, and angry thoughts. 

10. Let it be your sole business here to prepare for eternity. 
Consider every moment of time in that view. 

11. Remember that you have to contend with a legion of 
devils; a heart full of deceit and iniquity; and a world at 
enmity with God. 

12. Pray that you may ever rejoice in the advancement of 
Christ's kingdom, and the salvation of sinners; and labor in 
every way to promote these objects. 

'^Prayer is the only weapon which can subdue your corrup- 
tions, and keep your evidences bright. Cultivate prayer." 

We add another of these edifying testimonies of paternal 
solicitude and love. 

"To my Daughters. 

"With a heart full of affection, I sit down to express a 
few sentiments and intimations of my wishes, as connected 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 159 

with your conduct, in the course of any journey or absence 
from home. I wish each of you to preserve a copy of it, my 
dear children, and often look at it; take it with you when 
from home, and keep it safe when at home. 

^^Independently of my anxious wishes for your secret, 
spiritual welfare, I have much to feel on my own account, in 
point of credit and character, as connected with your deport- 
ment, in every house and company into which I may introduce 
you. I have not a doubt of your general affectionate wish to 
speak and act right; but inexperience, youth, thoughtlessness, 
and want of more acquaintance with the world carnal and the 
world religious, may easily occasion inconsistencies and errors 
which might be injurious to your own, as well as to my comfort 
and credit. Accept, therefore, a father's blessings and 
prayers, with a father's chapter of admonitions and explana- 
tions. 

^^You are not unaware that my name and character have 
acquired much publicity; — that I avowedly belong to a class 
of Christian ministers who profess, for Christ's and their 
souls' sakes, to be separate from the world, — to maintain 
purer and more distinct views of the Scripture doctrine, — and 
to be willing to spend and be spent in behalf of the truth as it 
is in Jesus. I am, therefore supposed not only to maintain a 
consistent separation from the follies and vices of the world, 
its pomps and vanities, but to aim at so ruling and guiding my 
household, that my principles may shine forth in their conduct. 
Any want of correctness, consistency, faithfulness, and propriety 
in them, will always attach a mixture of censure, surprise, and 
concern, as it regards me. The friends of religion will grieve, 
and those who are otherwise will rejoice, if you, could be drawn 
into compliances, and expressions of sentiment, at variance 
with your father's: — always, therefore, keep in remembrance, 
whether you are in company with decidedly religious and con- 
sistent Christians, or with those who are only partially so, or 
with those who are unhappily not so at all, — that you have not 
only your own peace of conscience to maintain, but the estima- 
tion and honor of your parent also.^ 

^'Many temptations will occur, to induce you to yield and 
conform to habits and principles, the very reverse of those 

* Should an}? one think there is too prominent a re<^ard expressed for his 
own reputation^ in the advice and admonition he skives his childrenj let such 
an objector compare Mr. Richmond's feeling's with those of tlie aposllC; 
in adverting to the conduct of his spiritual children: — ''Lest when I come 
a^ain^ my God will humble me amongst youj and that I should bewail many 
who have sinned already/' &c. 2 Cor. xii, 21. 



160 MEMOIRS OF THE 

which you hear me supporting, both in the pulpit and the par- 
lor. Be not ashamed of firmly, though modestly, in such cases, 
resisting them. State what mine and your principles are, 
and heed not the momentary unpleasantness of appearing 
singular, when conscience and duty require it. You may 
easily say, 'My father does not approve of such and such 
things, neither can I.' No person whose estimation is worth 
having will think the worse of you, for such instances of mild 
but decisive firmness; and without it, I should be disgraced. 
"All descriptions of public amusements; novels, popular 
amorous poems, plays, songs, vanities, and finery; and all the 
sad tribe of poisonous and dangerous pursuits, should be reg- 
ulated by this principle; and O, that your own simplicity 
and love to Christ, may never give way to one sad influence 
of false sentiment, even amongst those whom, on other ac- 
counts, we may esteem and regard. The half-religious are 
often more dangerous than those who are less so; because 
we are more on our guard in the latter case than the former. 
The great number of instances in which 1 have seen the 
young people of religious families deeply injured in their spirits 
and habits, by much visiting with persons of different views 
and customs from those of their own household, has made me, 
I confess, from pure motives of conscience and prudence, very 
averse to much of that sort of visiting in my own children's 
case, which I know to have been productive of bad conse- 
quences in others. And the difficulty of drawing the line has 
always appeared very great with my numerous friends and 
acquaintance. Still I wish to make you happy in every rea- 
sonable way; and I am glad when I can give you the ad 
vantage of new scenes and company, when it is of the righl 
kind. But as in my journies, extensive intercourse take: 
place, a great variety of characters will fall in your way; and 
I wish for all your sakes that you may be provided with so- 
ber, discreet, and religious caution, that the natural ardor 
of youth may not lead you into unbecoming or sinful compli- 
ances. I know many families, and you know a few, where, 
perhaps the parents are religious, but their young people are 
very imperfectly, if at all so; in such cases you may, from 
equality of age, be thrown much more into the light, frivolous/ 
and objectionable conversation of the younger, than the more 
useful communications of the elders of the family. Here, 
often, there is danger; ever prefer and choose those, of what- 
ever age, in whom you think you discover a holy, serious^ be- 
nevolent; consistent way of acting and speaking. 



!♦ 






REV» LEGH RICHMOND. 161 

^^A young professor of religion has not, in most instances, 
so difficult a task to sustain, when in conversation with those 
of a decidedly religious deportment, as with worldly persons, 
and those who can scarcely be ranked as consistently serious, 
although often to be met with in religious parties. If, how- 
ever, your conscience be correct, you will see more and more 
the duty of acting and speaking aright, and you must ever 
pray for grace to direct and govern you. Difficulties and 
dangers of this kind greatly multiply, when those who, from 
relationship and family regard, stand very near to natural 
love and affection, are nevertheless, in great measure, stran- 
gers to the power of true religion, and therefore mingle with 
the world wholly, pursue its pleasures, and support its cus- 
toms. I entreat you to be much on your guard in all such 
cases. Decays in religious feeling and conduct continually 
arise from this source; and endanger the temporal, spiritual, 
and eternal welfare of many a hopeful family. 

I am frequently placed in situations myself, where I find it 
very difficult to satisfy my conscience that I am doing right, 
amongst people and families where real religion has little or 
no part in their ways and conversation. In trying to be 
kind, attentive, and too compliant, perhaps, to their habits, 
I feel that I am in great danger of strengthening them in 
evil, and always of injuring my own consistency as a Chris- 
tian. 

"I will now add some remarks, placed under select heads, 
which may make them more conspicuous, and better remem- 
bered: and may God render them useful to you! Keep them 
constantly with you, and let them be always read over, at 
^east once a week. 

AMUSEMENTS, 

Plays, balls, public concerts, cards, private dances, &c. 

Serious, consistent Christians, must resist these things, be- 
cause the dangerous spirit of the world and the flesh is in them 
all: they are the '^pomps and vanities of this wicked world," 
so solemnly renounced at baptism. To be conformed to these 
seductive and more than frivolous scenes, is to be conformed to 
this world, and opposed to the character and precepts of 
Christ. They who see no harm in these things are spiritu- 
ally blind; and they who will not hear admonition against 
them, are spiritually deaf. Shun, my dear girls, the pleas- 



162 MEMOIRS OF THE 

ures of sin, and seek those which are at God's right hand i, 
forevermore. You cannot love both, '• 

Blessed be God, you have been kept far from those, who 
make such recreations their idols to wean their hearts from 
God. TSever in any conversation speak lightly or triflingly 
of these subjects, as if you had not imbibed proper sentiments 
concerning them. Ever preserve the consistency of your 
parental house and principles. 

BOOKS. 

Characters are speedily discerned by their choice of books, 
Novels in prose I need not now forbid; ignorant as you are 
of their bad tendency by experience, you, I am persuaded, 
trust me on that head, and will never sacrifice time, affection, 
or attention to them. But beware of novels in verse. Poets 
are more dangerous than prose writers, when their principles 

are bad. Were Lord B no better poet than he is a 

man, he might have done little harm; but when a bad man is 
a good poet, and makes his good poetry the vehicle of his 
bad sentiments, he does mischief by wholesale. Do not 
be ashamed of having never read the fashionable poem of the 
day. A Christian has no time, and should have no inclina- 
tion for any reading that has no real tendency to improve the 
heart. The finest rule I ever met with in regard to the choice 
of books, is this: — ''Books are good or bad in their effects, as 
they make us relish the word of God, the more or the less, 
after we have read them." There are too many valuable 
books on a variety of subjects, which ought to be read, to 
allow of time to be dedicated to unworthy and useless ones.|B| 

MUSIC. 

Shun all the wretched folly and corruption of light, silly, 
and amorous songs, on the same principle that you would 
shun books of the same nature. Sacred music is the true 
refuge of the Christian musician. I wish your ears, your 
hearts, and your tongues were oftener tuned to such melodies. 
The play-house, the opera, and the concert-room, have del- 
uged the world with the abuses of the heavenly art of music. 
Music was designed to lead the soul to heaven, but the cor- 
ruption of man has greatly perverted the merciful intention. 
Do not you belong to such perverters^ nor seem to take 
pleasure in those who do. 



EEV. LEC4H RICHIVrOND^ 165 

Ever shew the interest which you take in the subjects of 
schools for the poorj the distribution of tracts, the Bible and 
Missionary Societies, and all those important topics which so 
deeply occupy the people of God: and when you can find a 
congenial friend, talk of heaven and eternity, and your soul 
and your Saviour. This will be as a shield to your head and 
your heart. 

ESTIMATE OF CHARACTERS. 

Look first for grace. Do not disesteem good people on 
account of their foibles, or deficiencies in matters of little im- 
portance. Gold unpolished is far more valuable than the 
brightest brass. Never form unfavorable opinions of religious 
people hastily. — '^'Charity hopeth all things." Prize those 
families where you find constant family prayer; and suspect 
evil and danger, where it is avowedly unknown and unprac- 
tised. Always remember the astonishing difference between 
the true followers of Jesus, and the yet unconverted world, and 
prize them accordingly, whatever be their rank in society. 

Gentility and piety form a happy union; but poverty and 
piety are quite as acceptable in the eyes of God, — and so 
they ought to be in ours. Not only are the poor far more 
in actual number than the rich, but experience proves that the 
proportionate number of the truly serious amongst the poor is 
much greater than the corresponding proportion of numbers 
amongst the rich. Take 1000 poor and 100 rich; you will 
probably find 10 of the latter serious; but 200 of the former 
shall be so at the same time. 

Beware of the critical hearing of sermons preached by good 
Wmen. It is an awful thing to be occupied in balancing the 
merits of a preacher, instead of the demerits of yourself. 
Consider every opportunity of hearing as a message sent you 
from heaven. For all the sermons you have heard, you will 
have to render an account at the last day. 

PARENTS. 

Seek to make them happy in you. 

If you perceive that any thing in your ways makes them 
otherwise, you ought to have no peace until you have corrected 
it; and if you find yourself indifferent or insensible to their 
will and wishes, depend upon it yours is a carnal, disobedient, 
ungrateful heart. If you love them, keep their command- 
15 



166 MEMOIRS OF THE 

ments; othens'ise lore is a mere word in the mouth, or a notion 
in the fancy, but not a ruling principle in the heart. They 
know much of the world, you rerr little : trust them, therefore, 
when they differ from you and refuse compliance with your de- 
sires; — they watch orer you for God, and are entitled to great 
deference and cheerful obedience. You may easily shorten 
the lires of affectionate and conscientious parents, by miscon- 
duct, bad tempers, and alienation from their injunctions. Let 
not this sin be laid to your charge. 

'*I shall add no more at present, than that I am your af- 
fectionate father, L. Richmoxd." 

We reserve the insertion of some interesting letters,^ ad- 
dressed to Mrs. Richmond, for another part of this Memoir. 



CHAPTER X. 

Deie^cion of an extraccdiaary impo^mre by Mr. Rkbmond — Publiatioii of hm 
tracti — Rerievr oi tbem — Tiieix great ]>:<pjlarJtj' and extenshre dicnladaiL, fcc, 
—American editi<Mis— ftemaxks on the subject— Mr. Hichmond's ooaoexioii witii 
ilie Traa Socieiv. 



In the year 1813, Mr. Richmond was the means of detect- 
ing one of the grossest impostures erer practised npon the 
credulity of the public. A woman of the name of Ann Moore, 
of Tutbiiry, in Staffordshire, professed to have lived six years 
without having taken any solid food, and four years and a 
hall without any liquid. The singularity of ihe case led 
persons to visit her from various parts; and on these occasions « 
she maintained an appearance of moral and religious feeling, 
which left an impression of a highly favorable nature or the 
minds of those who conversed with her. She ascribed her 
existence, in this state of ijudia, to absorption by the lungs 
and skin; and declared that some physicians had assured her 
of the possibility of the case. Leaving disquisitions of this 
nature to medical men, it is, nevertheless, a well-established 
fact, that after a watch of sixteen days, in the year 1808, 
during which no discovery was made of her having taken any 
food or liquid whatsoever, a strong disposition prevailed among 
several physicians and surgeons of known talent and respect- 
ability, to give credit to her assertions. A second and stricter 
watch, was, however, agreed upon, and the arrangement of it 
comaiitted to the direction of Mr. Richmond, who felt a pecu- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 167 

liar interest in the case, and formed a committee for the pur- 
pose, composed of several medical and other respectable gen- 
tlemen. The precautions were so well taken against the 
admission of any kind of nourishment, that the woman was 
reduced to a state of exhaustion, and finally confessed the 
imposture. 

An excellent pamphlet was drawn up on this occasion, by 
Mr. Richmond, containing many valuable remarks of a physi- 
ological nature; but as we feel most interested in the moral 
vieio of the subject, we insert the following reflections of the 
author, arising from the discovery of the hypocrisy and pre- 
tended abstinence of this extraordinary impostor. We refer 
the reader to the pamphlet itself for further information.^ 

"Those who are accustomed to trace and admire the lead- 
ing steps of God's providential government in the conduct of 
human affairs, will not fail to connect together all the links of 
the chain of occurrences by which this detection was begun 
and completed. At the same time, other hypocrites and im- 
postors will be taught by the present exposure of guilt, that 
^verily there is a God that judgeth in the earth.' 

"But further: this woman pretended to a high degree of 
veneration for the Scriptures, and the religion of the Gospel 
of Christ. She had, partly by reading books, and partly by 
intercourse with various persons of intelligence and piety, ac- 
quired a more than ordinary share of religious knowledge. 
She possessed a fluency of speech, and could assume an inter- 
esting deportment in conversations of a serious nature. 

"Hypocrisy is at all times odious, but religious hypocrisy 
pre-eminently so. Christianity, in its true character and priv- 
ileges, is a jewel of too high a value not to provoke, from the 
basest motives, many a specious, though spurious imitation of 
its excellence. It cannot be denied that the cause of religion 
has suffered much in worldly estimation through the miscon- 
duct of unworthy pretenders. From hence infidelity takes oc- 
casion to triumph; prejudice gains strength; licentiousness 



* By the committee, which consisted of 33 clergy and g-entry, with Sir 
Oswald Mosely as their chairman^ it was resolved unanimously — ^^That the 
thanks of the Committee be given to the Rev. L. Richmond, (to whose orig- 
inal proposition in November last, and subsequent perseverance in the plan 
till the present time, the discovery of the imposture has been owing,) for the 
pains he has bestowed on a subject which has excited so much public inter- 
est. And that he be requested to prepare for the press, a statement of facts 
relative to the supposed abstinence of Ann Moore; and a narrative ot' the 
circumstances which led to the present detection of the imposture." — iSeo 
statement of Facts^ Preface. 



168 MEMOIRS OF THE 

grows bolder; and the enmity of the multitude against moral 
principles and practice, finds a delusive apology for sin in the 
exposure of the hypocritical professor. True Christians will 
hence learn the indispensable necessity of the most unbending 
uprightness and simplicity in all the concerns of life; that 
they may not bring an evil name on the cause which lies near- 
est to their heart and welfare. 

^ 'Those who are at all acquainted with the secret recesses 
and operations of corruption in the human heart, will find, in 
the recent detection of this impostor, a source of convincing 
and improving meditation. While too many others, perhaps, 
may indulge in unfeeling and indecorous levity, when contem- 
plating this discovery of sin, wretchedness, and shame; the 
real believer in the sacred truths which the Scriptures reveal, 
will view it with far diderent feelings. Such an one too well 
knows the awful nature and tendency of sin, to dare to trifle 
with it even so much as in thought. 

^'Yet, however implicated the notoriety of this woman's 
supposed abstinence may have been with her pretensions of a 
religious nature, real religion cannot eventually suffer by the 
disclosure of her true character. Had she been even more 
uniformly consistent in her outward conduct than was actually 
the case; yet truth cannot lose its integral virtue because false- 
hood occasionally assumes its external garb. — The Bible is still 
the word of God, and loses none of its intrinsic worth, although 
it once made an ostentatious appendage to the furniture of 
Ann Moore. Nor has the hallowed name of a Redeemer ceas- 
ed to be holy, because her polluted lips have often taken it in 
vain. The infidel and the profligate are in no less danger of 
the ripening vengeance 'of God, because they can now point 
with the finger of scorn at the detected hypocrite. The inval- 
uable blessings which genuine Christianity ever did, and ever 
must pour down upon the heads and hearts of its faithful pro- 
fessors, shall still prove their divine origin by the fi-uits they 
invariably produce; and the temporary exaltation of impostors 
and false pretenders shall, in the end, contribute to the last- 
ing triumph of truth. 

"Moreover, that very religion, which this wretched woman 
possessed not, will direct the hearts of those who are, hap- 
pily, partakers of its influence, to one contemplation more. 
They will view her as an object for pity and prayer. While 
the world has overwhelmed her name with disgrace, and just 
indignation has been excited against her oflences — while a 
providential discovery has arrested her iniquity in its prosper- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 169 

ous career, and she is now reduced to ignominy and shame, 
the Christian will pray for her repentance. His abhorrence 
of the sin, will not diminish his pity for the deplorable case 
of the sinner. Meditation upon his own liability to offend, 
as well as a review of the many sad proofs of human depravity 
which he daily sees around him, will forcibly lead his affec- 
tions, amidst the occurrences of time, to contemplate an ap- 
proaching eternity. There, through the medium of the Scrip- 
ture revelation, he will trace the record of divine mercy; and 
will feel it to be his privilege and delight to plead, in a Sa- 
viour's name, for the pardon of this presumptuous offender. 
And while thus occupied, his hope and his prayer will 
be, that 'where sin hath abounded, grace may much more 
abound." 

We have already incidentally alluded to Mr. Richmond's 
tracts, and now resume the subject. 

During his residence in the Isle of Wight, some interest- 
ing events occurred, connected with his ministry, which he 
first made known to the public through the medium of the 
'Christian Guardian.'^ These communications having ex- 
cited much attention, he was afterwards induced to publish 
them in the form of tracts, of which the first that made its 
appearance was the 'Dairyman's Daughter.' 'The Negro 
Servant,' and 'the Young Cottager, or Little Jane,' succes- 
sively followed: and finally, in the year 1814, they were 
united into one volume, under the title of 'Annals of the 
Poor,'t with the following appropriate motto, from Gray: — 

Let not ambition mock their useful toil^ 

Their homely joys and destiny obscure; 
Nor grandeur hear, with a disdainful smile^ 

The short and simple annals of the poor. 

His 'Dairyman's Daughter' rapidly acquired an unexam- 
pled celebrity. It was read with an avidity that required 
many successive editions to satisfy the demands of the pub- 
lic, and soon became the most popular tract of the day. The 
author, from the generous motive of ensuring to it a more 
extended usefulness, was induced to present it to the Relig- 
ious Tract Society, by whom it was immediately translated 

* See Christian Guardian, for 1809, 1810, 1811. 

t In this edition; considerable additions were made in Hhe Dairyman's 
Daughter. 

15* 



170 MEMOIRS OF THE 

into the French and Italian languages. The writer of this 
Memoir well remembers a circumstance connected with this 
celebrated tract, which he will here mention. He was taken 
by Mr. Richmond, in the year 1811, to attend a committee 
meeting of the Tract Society, when one of the members rose 
up, and observed, that as he came with the full intention of 
submitting to them the motion in his hand, he hoped he should 
not violate the delicacy of its author, by proposing, that the 
tract of Hhe Dairyman's Daughter,' the merit of which had 
been so generally recognized, should be translated into the 
German, Swedish, and Danish languages. Another member 
then rose and said, that he trusted he should be excused for 
adding an amendment to the motion, by recommending that 
the above tract be translated into all the European langua- 
ges, as far as means and opportunities might occur for that 
purpose. The resolution was unanimously carried in this 
amended form. The tract has since been translated into 
most of the Continental languages. It has also obtained a 
wide circulation in America: the Old and the New World have 
alike stamped it with the seal of popular approbation. At 
home, several editions of 20,000 copies each were printed 
within a very short period, and the copies which have been 
circulated in the English language alone, to the present time, 
are estimated at two millions. Tt has found its way to the 
palaces of kings,* and has been seen in the hut of the In- 
dian. | Its author was informed of thirty instances in which 
it was acknowledged to have been instrumental to the con- 
version of its readers, of whom one was a female convict at 
Botany Bay. The last instance of its usefulness was com- 
municated to him within only twenty-four hours of his decease; 
and from its peculiarity deserves to be mentioned. 

A clergyman, who had conceived a violent antipathy 
against the Religious Tract Society and all its publications, 
was induced to select the ^Dairyman's Daughter,' for the 
purpose of criticising and exposing its defects. In the pe- 
rusal of it, however, he was so arrested by the interest of the 
story, and so penetrated by the power of the religious truths 
which it contained, that the pen of criticism dropped from his 
hand, prejudice was charmed into admiration, and he was ad- 
ded, as another trophy of that grace which had shone so 
brightly in the life and death of the Dairyman's Daughter. 

* A copy was presented by the Rev. Mr. Patterson to the late Emperor of 
Russia, the circumstances of which we shall soon mention, 
t A copy was seen by a traveller in the hut of a North American Indian. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 171 

After what we have stated, we may justly inquire, to what 
are we to attribute the great popularity of this tract? 

No doubt, the happy union of interest and simplicity in the 
story, the graces of its style, and the beautiful imagery of its 
descriptions, have rendered it attractive to every reader; but 
the stamp of nature and reality which marks its details, the 
expression of feelings which find a response in every awaken- 
ed mind, and the manner in which the whole narrative is 
made the vehicle of conveying the most important truths, 
constitute its principle claim to admiration. It is needless, 
however, to prove the excellence of a tract, of which four 
millions of copies are said to have been circulated in the nine- 
teen languages into which it has been translated; or to adduce 
the testimonies to its usefulness, which have been already 
printed in almost every report of the Tract Society, in ad- 
dition to the numerous instances privately received by Mr. 
Richmond, and which are frequently alluded to in his letters. 

A few extracts from the ^Annals of the Poor,' will illus- 
trate the spirit and style of the author. 

We begin with his reflections as he contemplates his church 
of Yaverland, by which he was accustomed to pass, in his 
way to the Dairyman's Daughter. 

"Here the rich and poor meet together in mutual acknowl- 
edgment that the Lord is the Maker of them all; and that 
all are alike dependent creatures, looking up to one common 
Father to supply their wants, both temporal and spiritual. 

"Again, likewise, will they meet together in the grave, 
that undistinguishing receptacle of the opulent and the needy. 

"And once more, at the judgment seat of Christ shall the 
rich and poor meet together, that 'every one may receive the 
things done in his body, according to that he hath done, 
whether it be good or bad.' 

"How closely connected in the history of man are these 
three periods of a general meeting together! 

"The house of prayer, — the house appointed for all living, 
— and the house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 
May we never separate these ideas from each other; but 
retain them in a sacred and profitable union! So shall our 
worshipping assemblies on earth be representative of the 



172 MEMOIRS OF THE 

general assembly and church of the first-born, which are writ- 
ten in heaven."^ 

We insert another reflection. 

"Travellers, as they pass through the country, usually 
stop to inquire whose are the splendid mansions, which they 
discover among the woods and plains around them. The 
families, title, fortune, or character of the respective owners, 
engage much attention. Perhaps their houses are exhibited 
to the admiring stranger. The elegant rooms, — costly fur- 
niture, — valuable paintings, — beautiful gardens and shrub- 
beries, are universally approved; while the rank, fashion, 
taste, and riches of the possessor afford ample materials for 
entertaining discussion. In the mean time, the lowly cottage 
of the poor husbandman is passed by, as scarcely deserving 
of notice. Yet perchance such a cottage may often contain 
a treasure of infinitely more value than the sumptuous palace 
of the rich man; — even Hhe pearl of great price.' If this be 
set in the heart of the poor cottager, it proves a gem of un- 
speakable worth, and will shine among the brightest orna- 
ments of the Redeemer's crown, in that day when he makes 
up his 'jewels.' 

"Hence the Christian traveller, while, in common with 
others, he bestows his due share of applause on the decora- 
tions of the rich, and is not insensible to the beauties and 
magnificence which are the lawfully-allowed appendages of 
rank and fortune, cannot overlook the humble dwelling of the 
poor. And if he should find true piety and grace beneath 
the thatched roof, which he has in vain, perhaps, looked for 
amidst the worldly grandeur of the rich, he remembers the 
declarations in the word of God. He sees with admiration, 
that 'the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose 
name is Holy, who dwelleth in the high and holy place, 
dwelleth with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit." 
(Isa. Ivii, 15.) And although heaven is His throne, and the 
earth his footstool, yet when a habitation is to be sought, 
and a place of rest selected for himself, he says, ' To this 
man will 1 look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite 
spirit, and trembleth at my word.'^ 

"When a house is thus tenanted, faith beholds this inscrip- 
tion written on the walls — 'The Lord lives here. "^ "t 

* Dairj'man's Daughter, pp. 70^ 71. 
t Dairyman's Daughter, pp. 97 — 99. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 1*73 

The death of the Dairyman's daughter: — 

^^I sat down by the bed-side. The mother could not weep, 
but now and then sighed deeply, as she alternately looked at 
Elizabeth and me. The big tear rolled down the brother's 
cheek, and testified an affectionate regard. The good old 
man stood at the foot of the bed, leaning upon the post, and 
unable to take his eyes off the child from whom he was so 
soon to part. 

"Elizabeth's eyes were closed, and as yet she perceived 
me not. But over the face, though pale, sunk, and hollow, 
the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, had cast 
a triumphant calm. 

"The soldier, after a short pause, silently reached out his 
Bible towards me, pointing with his finger at 1 Cor. xv, 55^ 
56, 58. I then broke silence by reading the passage, 'O 
Death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory.'* 
The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory, through 
our Lord Jesus Christ.' 

"At the sound of these words her eyes opened, and some* 
thing like a ray of divine light beamed on her countenance, 
as she said, 'Victory, victory! through our Lord Jesus Christ!' 

"She relapsed again, taking no farther notice of any one 
present. 

" 'God be praised for the triumph of faith,' said I. 

" 'Amen!" replied the soldier. 

"The Dairyman's uplifted eye, shewed that the amen was 
in his heart, though his tongue failed to utter it. 

"She recovers for a short interval. 

"At length I said to Elizabeth — 'Do you experience any 
doubts or temptations on the subject of your eternal safety?' 

" 'No, Sir; the Lord deals very gently with me, and gives 
me peace.' 

" 'What are your views of the dark valley of death, now 
that you are passing through it ?' 

" 'It is not dark.' 

"'Why so?' 

" 'My Lord is there, and he is my light and my salva- 
tion!' 

"She did not again revive while I remained, nor ever speak 
any more words which could be understood. She slumbered 
for about ten hours, and at last sweetly fell asleep in the 
arms of that Lord who had dealt so gently with her. 



174 MEMOIRS OF THE 

^'I left the house an hour after she had ceased to speak. I 
pressed her hand, as I was taking leave, and said, 'Christ is 
the resurrection and the life.' She gently returned the pres- 
sure, but could neither open her eyes, nor utter a reply. 

'^I never had witnessed a scene so impressive as this before. 
It completely filled my imagination as I returned home. 

'^ 'Farewell,' thought I, 'dear friend, till the morning of an 
eternal day shall renew our personal intercourse. Thou wast 
a brand plucked from the burning, that thou mightest become 
a star, shining in the firmament of glory. I have seen thy 
light and thy good works, and will therefore glorify our Father 
which is in heaven. I have seen, in thy example, what it is 
to be a sinner freely saved by grace. I have learned from 
thee, as in a living mirror, who it is that begins, continues, 
and ends the work of faith and love. Jesus is all in all: he 
will and shall be glorified. He won the crown, and alone 
deserves to wear it. May no one attempt to rob him of his 
glory! He saves, and saves, to the uttermost. Farewell, 
dear sister in the Lord! Thy liesh and thy heart may fail, but 
God is the strength of thy heart, and shall be thy portion for 
ever!' "^ 

The following description is taken from the 'Young Cotta- 
ger, or little Jane;' and pleasingly illustrates his method 
of imparting instruction to children. 

"On the summer evenings, I frequently used to assemble 
this little group out of doors, in my garden, sitting under the 
shade of some trees, which protected us from the heat of 
the sun. From hence a scene appeared which rendered my 
occupation the more interesting. For, adjoining to the spot 
where we sat, and only separated from us by a fence, was 
the church-yard, surrounded with beautiful prospects in every 
direction. 

'^I had not far to look for subjects of warning and exhorta- 
tions, suitable to the little flock of lambs that I was feeding. 
I could point to the heaving sods, that marked the different 
graves and separated them from each other, and tell ray 
pupils, that, young as they were, none of them were too young 
to die; and that probably more than half of the bodies that 
were buried there, were those of little children. I hence 
took occasion to speak of the nature and value of a soul; and 
to ask them, where they expected their souls to go, when they 
departed hence, and were no more seen on earth? 

'^ Dairyman^s Daughter; p. 125^ and following pages. 



HEV. LEGH RICHMOND. 175 

^^1 told them who was Hhe resurrection and the life/ and 
who alone could take away the sting of death. I used to 
remind them that the hour was ^coming, in which all that are 
in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth: they 
that have done good unto the resurrection of life; and they 
that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.' 

' 'Sometimes I sent the children to the various stones which 
stood at the head of the graves, and bid them learn the 
epitaphs inscribed upon them. I took pleasure in seeing the 
little ones thus dispersed in the church-yard, each committing 
to memory a few verses, written in commemoration of the 
departed. They would soon accomplish the desired object, 
and eagerly return to me, ambitious to repeat their tasks. 

^'Thus my church-yard became a kind of book of instruction, 
and every grave-stone a leaf of edification for my young 
disciples. 

''The church itself stood in the midst of the ground. It 
was a spacious antique structure. Within those very walls, 
I first proclaimed the message of God to sinners. As these 
children surrounded me, I sometimes pointed to the church; 
spoke to them of the nature of public worship, — the value of 
the sabbath, the duty of regular attendance on its services; 
and urged their serious attention to the means of grace. I 
shewed them the sad state of many countries, where neither 
churches nor Bibles were known; and the no less melancholy 
condition of multitudes at home, who sinfully neglect worship, 
and slight the word of God. I thus tried to make them sensi- 
ble of their own favors and privileges. 

The following passage contains a vivid description of the 
scenery with which he was surrounded. 

"In the widely sweeping curve of a beautiful bay, there isa 
kind of chasm or opening in one of the lofty cliffs that bound 
it. The steep descending sides are covered with trees, 
bushes, wild flowers, fern, wormwood, and many other herbs; 
here and there contrasted with bold masses of rock, or brown 
earth. 

''In the highest part of one of these declivities two or three 
picturesque cottages are fixed, and seem half suspended in 
the air. 

"From the upper extremity of this great fissure or opening 
in the cliff, a small stream of water enters by a cascade, 
flows through the bottom, winding in a varied course of about 
a quarter of a mile in length; and then runs into the sea, 



176 MEMOIRS OF THE 

across a smooth expanse of firm bard sand, at the lower 
extremity of the chasm. 

''The open sea in full mag-niiicence, occupied the centre of 
the prospect; bounded indeed, in one small part, bv a very 
distant shore, on the rising ascent from which the rays of the 
sun rendered visible a cathedral church,^' with its towering 
spire, at near thirty miles distant. Every where else, the 
sea beyond was limited only by the sky. 

^'At my feet the little rivulet, gently rippling over pebbles, 
soon mingled with the sand, and was lost in the waters of the 
mighty ocean. The murmuring of the waves, as the tide 
ebbed or flowed on the sand; their dashing against some 
distant rocks, which were covered fantastically with sea-weed 
and shells; sea-birds floating in the air aloft, or occasionally 
screaming from their holes in the cliS's; the hum of human 
voices in the ships and boats, borne along the water; all these 
sounds served to promote, rather than interrupt meditation. 
They were soothingly blended together, and entered the ear 
in a kind of natural harmony. 

^'In the quiet enjoyment of a scene like this, the lover 
of nature's beauties will easily find scope for spiritual illustra- 
tion^."! 

The following are his reflections upon this scene: — 

^'The waves of the sea ebb and flow in exact obedience to 
the laws of their Creator: — thus far they come, and no 
farther; — they retire again to their accustomed bounds; and 
so maintain a regulated succession of effects. 

^'But, alas! the waves of passion and aff*ection in the 
human breast, manifest more of the wild confusion of a storm, 
than the orderly regularity of a tide; — grace can alone subdue 
them. 

"What peaceful harmony subsist throughout all this lovely 
landscape! These majestic cliffs, some clothed with trees and 
shrubs; others bare and unadorned with herbage, yet varie- 
gated with many-colored earths; these are not only sublime 
and delightful to behold, but they are answering the end 
of their creation, and serve as a barrier to stop the progress 
of the waves. 

"But how little peace and harmony can I comparatively see 
in my own heart! The landscape niihin is marred by dreary 
barren wilds, and wants that engaging character which the 
various parts of this prospect before me so happily preserve. 

» Chichester Cathedral. 

t 'Aoaals of the poor — the Young Cottager.' p. 57—60. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND 177 

Sill, sin is the bane of mortality, and heaps confusion upon 
confusion wherever it prevails. 

'^Yet, saith the voice of promise, ^Sin shall not have 
dominion over you.' O! then, may I yield myself unto God, 
as one that am alive from the dead, and my members as 
instruments of righteousness unto God. And thus may I 
become an able and willing minister of the New Testament! 

^'I wish I were like this little stream of water: it takes its 
first rise scarcely a mile off; yet it has done good even in that 
short course. It has passed by several cottages in its way, 
and afforded life and health to the inhabitants; it has watered 
their little gardens as it flows, and enriched the meadows near 
its banks. It has satisfied the thirst of the flocks that are 
feeding aloft on the hills, and, perhaps, refreshed the shep- 
herd's boy who sits watching his master's sheep hard by. It 
then quietly finishes its current in this secluded dell, and, 
agreeably to the design of its Creator, quickly vanishes in the 
ocean. 

^^May my course be like unto thine, thou little riuvlet! Though 
short be my span of life, yet may I be useful to my fellow 
sinners, as I travel onwards. Let me be a dispenser of spir- 
itual support and health to many! Like this stream, may I 
prove the poor man's friend by the way, and water the souls 
that thirst for the river of life, wherever I meet them! And 
if it please thee, O my God! let me in my latter end be like 
this brook. It calmly, though not quite silently, flows through 
this scene of peace and loveliness, just before it enters the 
sea. Let me thus gently close my days likewise; and may I 
not unusefully tell to others of the goodness and mercy of my 
Saviour, till I arrive at the vast ocean of eternity."^ 

These descriptions exhibit Mr. Richmond's delicate and 
vivid perception of the beauties of nature, and the profitable 
use he made of them. The concluding passage involuntarily 
leads the mind to the closing scene of his own life. For his 
race is now run; the little rivulet has ceased to flow, and is 
absorbed in the vast ocean of eternity; while the pious wish 
expressed in the image has been realized. The rivulet has 
left the traces of its fertility, and evidenced the beneficence of 
its course; and we may apply to him the word with which he 
takes his leave of his endeared Dairyman's Daughter, 'Hhy 
flesh and thy heart faileth, but God is the strength of thy 
heart, and thy portion for ever." 



^Annals of the Poor—The Young- Cottager/ p. 63; 65. 
16 



178 MEMOIRS OF THE 

We subjoin one more extract, from ^The Negro Servant.' 

^'I dismounted from my horse, and tied it to a bush. The 
breaking of the waves against the foot of the cliff at so great 
a distance beneath me, produced an incessant and pleasing 
murmur. The sea-gulls were flying between the top of the 
cliff where I stood, and the rocks below, attending upon their 
nests built in the holes of the cliff The whole scene, in every 
direction, was grand and impressive; it was suitable to devo- 
tion. The Creator appeared in the works of his creation, 
and called upon the creature to honor and adore. To the be- 
liever this exercise is doubly delightful. He possesses a right 
to the enjoyments of nature and providence, as well as to the 
privileges of grace. His title-deed runs thus: ^All things are 
your's, whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or 
life, or death, or things present, or things to come, all are 
your's, and ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's.' 

''I cast my eye downwards, a little to the left, towards a 
small cave, the shore of which consists of fine hard sand. It 
is surrounded by fragments of rock, chalk cliffs, and steep 
banks of broken earth. Shut out from human intercourse and 
dwellings, it seems formed for retirement and contemplation. 
On one of these rocks I unexpectedly observed a man sitting 
with a book, which he was reading.' The place was near two 
hundred yards perpendicular below me; but I soon discovered 
by his dress, and by the black color of his features, contrasted 
with the white rocks beside him, that it was no other than my 
Negro disciple, with, as I doubted not, a Bible in his hand. 
I rejoiced for this unlooked-for opportunity of meeting him in 
so solitary and interesting a situation. He was intent on 
bis book, and did not perceive me till I approached very near 
to him. 'William, is that you?' 'Ah, massa! me very glad 
to see you. How came massa into dis place? me tought 
nobody here, but only God and me.' " 

After a long and interesting conversation with the negro, 
Mr. Richmond thus concludes: 

'• 'My friend,' said I, 'I will now pray with you for your 
own soul, and for those of your parents also.' This was a 
new and solemn house of prayer. The sea-sand was our floor; 
the heavens were our roof; the cliffs, the rocks, the hills and 
the waves, formed the walls_of our chamber. It was not, in- 
deed, a place where prayer was wont to be made, but for this 
once it became a hallowed spot. It will by me ever be re- 
membered as such. The presence of God was there. I 
prayed,^ — the negro wept, — his heart was full, — I felt for him, 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 179 

and could not but weep likewise. The last day will shew 
whether our tears were not the tears of sincerity and love. It 
was time for my return. I leaned upon his arm as we as- 
cended the steep cliff in my way back to my horse, which I had 
left at the top of the hill. Humility and thankfulness were 
marked in his countenance; 1 leaned on his arm with the feel- 
ings of a brother. It was a relationship I was happy to own. 
I took him by the hand at parting, — appointed one more inter- 
view previous to the day of baptizing him, and bid him fare- 
well for the present. 'God bless you, my dear massa;' 'and 
you, my dear Christian brother, for ever and ever.' "* 

Some of Mr. Richmond's reflections, in the passages before 
us, will remind the reader of those beautiful lines of Cow- 
per, in which he enumerates the enjoyment of natural scenery 
as among the covenanted privileges of the believer. 

'^He looks abroad into the varied field 

Of nature J and though poor^ perhaps, compared 

With those whose mansions glitter in his sight^ 

Calls the delightful scenery all his own. 

His are the mountains ^ and the vallevg his. 

And the resplendent rivers^ his to enjoy 

With a propriety that none can feel; 

But whO; with filial confidence inspired^ 

Can lift to heaven an unpresumptuous eye, 

And smiling say, ^my Father made them all!' ^'f 

A suspicion has been expressed by some, as to the entire 
genuineness of the tract of the Dairyman's Daughter, arising 
from an idea that the lano-uao'e and sentiments of her letters 
were far beyond the capacity of persons in that situation of 
life. The writer of this memoir once entertained the same 
doubt; and as it tended greatly to diminish the interest and 
profit which he would otherwise have found in the perusal of 
the tract, he ventured to express his feelings to Mr. Rich- 
mond, who, in consequence, produced some of her letters, 
which were carefully examined; and the result was, that no 
alteration was found to have been made, except the correction 
of the spelling, and the occasional change of a single word, 
for one which better expressed her meaning. 

In further confirmation of the genuine character of these 
interesting narratives, we lay before the reader a letter ad- 
dressed to the Rev. Mr. Fry, by a highly respectable gentlc- 

^ See 'Annals of the Poor— Negro Servant/ p. 3C. 
t Cowper's Tcisk, b, 5. 



180 MEMOIRS OF THE 

man, who was connected for many years with Mr. Richmond 
as a friend and parishioner. 

'-Tun-eij Abbey, Feb. 21, 1828. 

''My dear Sir, The conversation we had together the other 
day, respecting the interesting tract called 'The Dairyman's 
Daughter,' induced me to request a sight of the original 
letters. 

''I own that I could not dismiss from my mind, when I 
formerly read the tract, the idea that our friend had improved 
the young woman's letters according to his own amiable and 
pious feelings; and it was not without pleasure and surprise I 
found, on the perusal of the originals, that they were in every 
respect as he had given them; with the exception of the bad 
spelling, and the unnecessary use of capital letters, which 
he had corrected, and a word which was here and there added 
or omitted, to make the young woman's meaning more plain 
and intelligible. This latter alteration, however, was of rare 
occurrence, and such as was not only allowable, but necessary. 

''I think it would be advisable to advert to this circum- 
stance in Mr. Richmond's Memoir, as it is possible that others 
may labor under the same mistake with myself. I am, my 
dear sir, yours, very sincerely, John Higgins." 

As to the fads of the story, the writer is able to offer a 
very satisfactory proof of their correctness. The Rev. Mr. 
Hughes, one of the estimable secretaries of the British and 
Foreign Bible Society, in company with another friend, visited 
the spot where this interesting young woman formerly resided; 
and interrogated the brother (who had read the tract,) whether 
the circumstances of the story were precisely the same as they 
are there related? To this he replied, there was only one fact 
that was misrepresented. Being asked, with some degree of 
anxiety, what that fact was, he observed, that Mr. Richmond 
had described a vine trained near the side of the ivindow^ 
whereas it teas not a vine, bid an apple-tree. If historic truth 
had never been more seriously violated than in this instance, 
the credibility of facts would seldom have been impeached. 
Seven cities would not have contended for the honor of Ho- 
mer's birth. The Trojan war would not have been the sub- 
ject of a grave literary discussion; nor would the supposed 
antiquity of the Chinese empire have furnished the infidel wits 
of France with a pretence for questioning the authority of the 
Mosaic statement. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 181 

We have thought it important to adduce these testimonies 
to the character of Mr. Richmond's tracts, being aware of a 
disposition in the minds of some to identify them with a class 
of publications which profess to convey religious truth under 
the garb of fiction. We do not mean to discuss the propriety 
of such a vehicle of instruction; but we wish to distinguish 
these publications from the writings of our friend, who sought 
his materials, not in the regions of fancy, but in the less ques- 
tionable sources of fact and reality. We consider Mr. Rich- 
mond to have been excelled by no writer in this species of 
composition. To a style simple, elegant, and full of pathos, 
he united a spirit of Christian love, which transfused its 
sweetness into every thought and expression; and his imag- 
ination, rich and powerful, being purified by "a live coal from 
the altar," was consecrated in all its varied exercises, to the 
glory of God and the true interests of man. While, if his 
fancy sparkled with all the beautiful tints of the rainbow, it 
was only to fix the gaze of the admirer on the heavenly world. 

We cannot conclude these remarks without adverting to 
two editions of the 'Dairyman's Daughter,' published in 
America; the one by the Philadelphia Sunday and Adidt 
School Union, and the other by the New England Tract So- 
ciety, at Boston. 

On comparing these editions with the English copies of the 
same work, we were surprised to find numerous instances of 
omission or alteration. The American editions differ from 
each other, as well as from the English tract. Surely an 
author and the public have a right to expect from an editor a 
faithful adherence to the original; or at least that he should 
apprise the reader of alterations, and assign a reason for mak- 
ing them. But in the instance before us, the foreign tracts, 
though they bear the name of Mr. Richmond, are far from 
being his own work. The first letter of the Dairyman's 
Daughter, which contains her religious principles, is wholly 
omitted; the interesting fact relating to the burial service is 
suppressed; no less than nineteen pages of the narrative are 
removed; and in short, there are so many omissions, transpo- 
sition, and alterations, that the reader would with dilficulty 
recognize the real features of the character of the pious daugh- 
ter of the Dairyman. We cannot but complain of this gross 
mutilation of our friend's interesting memoir, as an imposition 
on the reader, and an injustice to the author's reputation. 

Without intending to impugn the integrity of our American 
brethren, or to assign motives for their conduct, we must 
16^ 



lo:: MEMOIRS OF THE 

express our regret; considering, as we do, such interpolations 
and false presentments to be both injurious to the memory of 
an author, a misrepresentation of his principles, and an inter- 
ference with his design, by no means consistent with fair and 
honorable feeling; and we cannot but hope that the evil com- 
plained of will be corrected in subsequent editions. The 
justness of these remarks must plead our excuse (if any be 
needful), for their introduction in this place.* 

*^A very useful method," says Archbishop Seeker, "of 
spreading the knowledge of religion, is by distributing, or pro- 
curing to be distributed, such pious books, especially to the 
poorer sort, as are best suited to their capacities and circum- 
stances. Much good may be done in this way, to considerable 
numbers at once, iu a more acceptable manner, for a trifling 
expense." 

With similar views and sentiments to those expressed by 

"^ Since ^^Titillg the above, we have seen an American edition, published at 
Philadelphia, in the year 1327^ wliich. we are happy to say, is in every respect 

conformable to the original. 

Concerning the two editions of which the biographer complains, we know 
nothing. We have, however, been led carefully to compare the Dairyman's 
Daughter, as published by the American Tract Society, with two editions 
pubhshed by the London Religious Tract Society, of which Mr. Richmond 
was a Secretary; — and we are happy in being able to assure the public, that 
there is no cause of complaint agaiiist that edition. It is, indeed, an abridg- 
mentj but so careful have the committee been, that in no instance is there an 
alteration in the language, which at all affects either the style or sentiments of 
the author. The alterations are such as were unavoidable in connecting 
para^'aphs and preserving the unity of the narrative. The omissions are 
principally descriptions of natural scenery, and the reflections of Mr. R. The 
nan-aiive is entirely preserved. The fact relative to the burial service, is 
inserted in page 7. The letter, containing the religious principles of the 
Dair^-man's Daughter, is omitted, as tlie same sentiments are fully set forth in 
uie conversations recorded in the naiTative. To have published the whole, 
would have made a tract of 50 or 60 pages — would have greatly increased 
the expense, and, consequently, greatly^hmited its circulation. Beibre the 
publication of the tract in its present ibnn, it was approved by a committee of 
five clergymen, of different denominations. Of this committee, the Rev. Dr. 
Milnor represents the Episcopalian interest. 

We have, also, compared it with the edition of the Dair\Tnan's Daughter, 
published by the Protestant Episcopal Tract Society, of Xew-Yorkj and, we 
rind this latter tract still more abridged and altered, than is the edition of the 
American Tract Society. 

It is proper to add, that the two editions of the London Society differ very 
much from each other, both as to language and matter. IfMr. Grimshawe 
compared the American editions with the edition published by the London 
vSociety, he would see cause of complaint. But if. on the other hand, he 
should compare them with the London edition, of 1812, from which they \yere 
republished, he would rather admire the candor with which they were abridg- 
ed, and the very strict regard which was paid to the langtiage of the author. — 
Arner. Ed. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 183 

the venerable Archbishop, a number of pious persons, more 
than twenty years ago, formed an association, which they 
called ''The Religious Tract Society." Publications like 
those of Mr. Richmond, could not fail to attract the notice of 
such an institution: and his well-known liberality, together 
with the high estimation in which his character was held, 
induced the committee of that society to make proposals to 
him, of becoming one of their secretaries. At that time the 
institution had no church-representative, though the committee 
was composed of persons of all denominations. The secre- 
taries were the Rev. Joseph Hughes, and the Rev. Dr. 
Steinkopff, well known from their connexion with the British 
and Foreign Bible Society. By the accession of Mr. Rich- 
mond, it was justly expected that the society would derive in- 
creased wisdom in its counsels, and vigor and unity in its 
operations. The editor well remembers the circumstances of 
this application, and the reasons which induced Mr. Richmond 
to accept the office of joint secretary. It was a proposition 
which required serious deliberation. On the one hand, Mr. 
Richmond considered that a strong prejudice was known to 
exist against the society, not only amongst the enemies of 
true piety, but also among some of its friends. It was sup- 
posed to consist almost exclusively of Dissenters, and its tracts 
were regarded with jealousy and suspicion. To accept this 
offer, he feared, might identify him with dissent (though he 
was ever warmly attached to the doctrines and discipline of 
his own church), and might endanger his usefulness in the 
legitimate field of his labors. On the other hand, he recog- 
nised in the institution many claims to his regard. Its object 
was the same which lay near to his own heart, — the circula- 
tion of tracts, and the revival of the doctrines of the Reforma- 
tion. He saw in the connexion, an opportunity of extending 
his usefulness; and certain pledges and securities seemed 
alone to be wanting, to allow of the co-operation of a con- 
scientious churchman. He thought that, under the sanction 
of a sufficient guarantee against the introduction of peculiari- 
ties, there was no just reason for his refusal of the office pro- 
posed to him; and that by his acceptance of the secretaryship, 
he might even promote the interests of his own churcli, by 
preventing the circulation of tracts hostile to her opinions; as 
well as advance the common cause of true religion. The 
required guarantee was given: Mr. Richmond yielded to the 
wishes of the Society; and from that period to the day of his 



184 MEMOIRS OF THE 

death, lie had no reason to complain that the engagement was 
violated in a single instance. 

Mr. Richmond's decision may give occasion to a differ- 
ence of opinion. By some he may be censured; — by most 
persons his conduct will be approved and admired. Those 
who consider a union with Dissenters, under any circum- 
stances, as a virtual surrender of principle, and a viola- 
tion of ecclesiastical discipline, will condemn his connexion 
with the Tract Society; but we have never been convinced 
that a union, on common ground, with any part of the family 
of Christ, is an act of treason against our own church. The 
union requires not a surrender of principle^ but of prejudice: 
it requires no compromise of forms, but it does require a just 
estimation of the essential truths of salvation. We confess that 
it has ever appeared to us a strange inconsistency, that the most 
zealous opponents to the union of true Christians, upon com- 
mon principles, should themselves have united with Lutherans, 
and employed them as their agents to plant churches, and 
disseminate religious knowledge, and that for a long period of 
time; though, in discipline wholly, and partly in doctrine, 
those agents differ from their own establishment. The allusion 
will be readily understood. We do not mean to recriminate 
in the spirit of hostility; but we must be allowed to protest 
against the unfairness of denouncing their brethren of the 
Church of England, for uniting with Dissenters in the pro- 
pagation of our common Christianity, where both discipline 
and peculiarities of creed are excluded, by mutual consent, 
and collision is consequently avoided. 

From this vindication of our friend, we turn to the impor- 
tant results of the Tract Society. Every part of the globe 
has been the scene of its operations; and from every country 
the most pleasing testimonies of approbation and usefulness 
have been received. Bishops and archbishops, emperors and 
kings, ministers of the Reformed, and even of the Roman 
Catholic Church, have been loud in its praises. We regret 
that the limits of this Memoir will not allow us to insert 
numerous interesting proofs of the Divine favor, attendant on 
the publications of the Society. We must refer the reader, 
for these, to the summary of proceedings for the last twenty 
years, published in one volume, by the Tract Society; and 
which contains a most satisfactory vindication of the character 
of the tracts, and of the design of the institution. 

We have purposely omitted numerous testimonies to the 
usefulness of Mr. Richmond's tracts, received from almost 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 185 

every part of Great Britain, as well as from many foreign 
countries (so numerous, indeed, that they would fill several 
chapters), lest we should seem to depart from that Christian 
modesty so conspicuous in the character of their author. We 
hope the candid reader will pardon what the warmth of our 
affection has dictated; and the more readily, when he re- 
members that all that we have said of the man magnifies the 
grace of God which was in him, and wrought effectually 
by him. 



CHAPTER XI. 

His appointment as chaplain to the Duke of Kent— Mrs. Richmond's illness— New 
school-room — Report of his son's death — Embarrassment, arising from his publi- 
cation of 'The Fathers of the English Church'— Interview with the Emperor 
of Russia— Letters to and from his Imperial Majesty — Princess Metstchersky — 
Letters to Mrs. Livius— Verses written on the marriage of a friend's daughter. 

Among the distinguished characters who gave the sanction 
of their rank and influence to the public institutions of this 
country, his late Royal Highness the Duke of Kent is pre- 
eminently entitled to our grateful remembrance. Every re- 
ligious and benevolent undertaking found in him a powerful 
friend and patron. He was the avowed advocate of the Brit- 
ish and Foreign Bible Society. He was the patron also of 
the Society for promoting Christianity among the Jews. He 
usually attended, and took the chair, at the anniversaries of 
the numerous public charities which confer so much honor on the 
city of London; on which occasions Mr. Richmond often met 
his Royal Highness, and by the intervention of a common 
friend, became one of his chaplains. 

In the discharge of his functions, Mr. Richmond was some- 
times required to officiate at Kensington palace. On one of 
these occasions the Duke and Duchess and their retinue 
were present. His Royal Highness heard Mr. Richmond's 
sermon with profound attention; and when the service was 
concluded, he was pleased to express his approbation of the 
impressive, scriptural, and faithful truths which he had heard; 
adding, that he fully concurred in their importance, and wished 
to feel their influence. At the same time he inquired how 
he had attained so remarkable a fluency in the expression of 
his ideas; and asked whether his discourse had been deliver- 
ed from memory. Mr. Richmond replied in the negative; 
and said that he usually prepared and digested the leading 



186 MEMOIRS OF THE 

heads of his subject, but he modestly ascribed his ready ut- 
terance to the eflect of habit. His Royal Highness expressed 
a hope that he would preach at the palace whenever he came 
to town; and added, ^^you must converse, Sir, with the 
Duchess on these subjects, for she understands them far bet- 
ter than I do." 

On the evening of the same day, Mr. Richmond received 
a polite request from the Duke of Kent, that he would favor 
him with the perusal of the notes from which he had preached 
in the morning. A discussion had taken place at the palace, 
on the subject of Mr. Richmond's extempore preaching; and 
it had been said that no man could preach so accurately, 
as well as fluently, without a large portion of his sermon being 
duly transcribed. 

The notes, on inspection, were found to occupy a very 
small space; and we mention this little anecdote as another 
proof of that talent in extempore preaching for which he was 
so remarkable. 

Mr. Richmond continued to be honored with the uniform 
marks of His Royal Highness's esteem and regard. And 
when that solemn event occurred, which was mourned by the 
nation at large, and by the friends of religion and humanity 
in particular, Mr. Richmond was one of those who followed 
his royal patron to the grave. There, as well as in various 
parts of the kingdom, where his public exertions called him, 
he heard many a testimony to the virtues, the zeal, and the 
benevolence of this beloved and venerated prince. Charity 
in him lost its patron; the cause of God its firm and unshak- 
en supporter; and illustrious rank its ornament and exam- 
ple. Testimonies like these are instructive to the living, 
while they are honorable to the dead. They prove that in 
this country, whenever exalted station is adorned with corres- 
ponding virtues, and consecrated to high and noble ends, it 
never fails to obtain the best of all kinds of homage, the hom- 
age of the heart. 

About this time, Mr. Richmond was visited with a do- 
mestic event which threatened the most distressing conse- 
quences. Mrs. Richmond, after having given birth to an- 
other child, and being apparently recovered from the effects 
of her confinement, was attacked by a dangerous illness; oc- 
casioned, as was supposed, by an imprudent exposure to the 
air. The symptoms became very alarming, a high fever fol- 
lowed, and after the utmost exertion of medical skilly and 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 187 

the most unremitting attention, her recovery was declared to 
be hopeless. 

The suddenness of this shock to the feelings of Mr. Rich- 
mond, who had long known her value, both as a wife and a 
mother, and the tender age of most of his children, gave to 
this dispensation the poignancy of the severest trial. Never 
can the writer forget the impressions made on his own mind 
at that period. In the expectation of her immediate dissolu- 
tion, she had taken leave of all the members of her family. A 
very few of their more intimate friends were permitted to see 
her on this occasion, and he was included in the number. On 
entering the room with another endeared friend, to pay this 
mournful visit, he was surprised to see an expression of joyful 
feeling on the countenance of the wife, and a calm and 
delightful serenity depicted on that of the husband. He 
could not help exclaiming, — Is this the chamber of death? 
Death was so stripped of its terrors, and religion so surround- 
ed with all its consolations, that the place looked more like 
the portals of heaven, than the gloomy vestibule of the tomb. 
The triumph of faith in the dying wife seemed to support the 
otherwise afflicted husband, and to impart to him a corres- 
ponding elevation of feeling. He forgot for the moment his 
own sorrows in her joys; his own loss in her gain; and did 
not wish to arrest her expected flight to the world of happy 
spirits, or indulge his grief while she was rejoicing in the 
mercies of redeeming love. 

If this conduct of Mr. Richmond should excite surprise in 
any of our readers, let it be remembered that he was in the 
habit of estimating every thing by its reference to eternity; 
and that tenderly as he was attached to his wife, and sen- 
sible of the importance of her life to himself and to his chil- 
dren, still the consciousness of her assured happiness was 
evidently the absorbing feeling of his mind at that time. God 
also gives extraordinary support under extraordinary trials. 
"A martyr's grace in a martyr's sufferings." 

^'There is a time for all things." Nature and grace have 
their feelings, and there is a season for the lawful expression 
of both. The removal of the wife would doubtless have filled 
with the greatest sorrow that heart which now exulted in her 
triumphant prospects. The husband would weep, while the 
Christian would rejoice ''with joy unspeakable and full of 
glory." 

It will be well, while we contemplate the triumph of faith 
and hope in others, that we should inquire what would be 



188 MEMOIRS OF THE 

our own feelings in the hour of death, and under the pressure 
of affliction. Reader! does death present the appalling 
image of a dread eternity to your mind, or does faith open 
to your view the prospect of a glorious immortality ! Time 
hurries on its rapid course. Sorrow, or joy, — the cry of 
'terror, or the song of victory, must sooner or later be the 
portion of every child of Adam. Be your's the triumphant 
song — ''Thanks be to God which giveth us the victory, through 
our Lord Jesus Christ." 

The affectionate sympathy of Mr. Richmond's parishioners, 
at this trying season, deserves to be mentioned. The most 
fervent prayers had been offered up daily for the recovery 
of Mrs. Richmond; and those prayers were heard. Con- 
trary to all human expectation, the symptoms of the dis- 
order abated, and her life was spared. It seemed as if she 
had entered into the valley of the shadow of death, — explored 
all its secret recesses, — penetrated to its utmost confines, and 
seen the light which could alone dispel all its darkness; and 
then, — led by the hand of Him who says, ''I kill, and I make 
alive: I w^ound, and I heal;" she once more returned to the 
days of her pilgrimage, and survived to follow to the grave 
the husband, who, thirteen years before, had resigned her to 
the mercy of his God. 

The following letter alludes to the circumstances above 
described: — 

''My dearest friend, — A hasty line must tell you that my 
dear wife has been dangerously ill. On Saturday, her end 
ap})eared at hand, but she has since revived, and we enter- 
tain hope. 

"I never witnessed such a triumph of grace: it has shone 
more bright than tenderest hope could have expected. Jesus 
bore her through the most painful and affecting scene more 
than triumphantly. Amongst other (as it then appeared, 
dying requests, she desired that one of the little boy's names 
(the child whose birth has occasioned so much danger) should 
be a memorial of that disinterested, affectionate, and highly- 
valued kindness which a friend indeed once showed her and 
her's in a time of need: that name will be Pellait, She 
breathed a most grateful message to you at the same time. 
Her manner of taking leave of me and our eight children 
around her bed, was more striking than you can conceive, or 
I can describe. Pray for us, and give a line to your grateful 
friend, " Legh Richmo.nd." 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 189 

Mr. Richmond ever considered the education of the young 
as forming one very important part of his ministerial duties. 
His heart veas much interested in this work, and he was sin- 
gularly blessed in it. He diligently fed the lambs of his 
flock; andj as we have already stated, the first-fruits of his 
ministry in the Isle of Wight and at Turvey were found 
amongst them. 

At Turvey he had been accustomed to assemble the chil- 
dren of the parish in a room taken out of a barn adjoining 
the rectory, but which was too small to accommodate the 
numbers that attended. Hitherto the instruction had been 
confined to the Sabbath-day. Mr. Richmond felt anxious to 
afford the children the additional advantage of week-day les- 
sons in reading, writing, and arithmetic, on the National plan. 
With this view he determined to erect a school-house; a piece 
of ground in the centre of the village was given for the pur- 
pose, by John Higgins, Esq., and the object was ultimately 
accomplished by the aid of the National Society, and the 
contributions of numerous friends. 

We here insert a letter on this subject, written by Mr. 
Richmond to Thomas Pellatt, Esq. 

"My dear Friend, — It is common in this vicinity, when 
any person is subject to epileptic fits, that they go about from 
house to house, begging for a piece of silver money at each. 
When they have obtained as many sixpences and shillings (the 
more, they apprehend, the better,) they get them all melted 
down into one amalgamated ring: this charm they wear, and 
they fancy it cures their fits. This may or may not be wise; 
but I have also my sort of fit, and that is, the building and 
carrying on a pastoral school, under my own care and labor, 
for all the poor children of my parish, without exception: and 
local resources being inadequate, I beg about for precious 
metal, to be amalgamated into a ring of personal friendship 
and general benevolence, for the support of my school: not 
that I expect to be cured myself of my fit of anxiety for the 
poor's sake, but that I do hope for the cure of much sin and 
ignorance in their hearts, lives, and houses, through God's 
blessing on this union of charitable aid. 

"Having said thus much, do you feel it right to give my 
poor children either a donation, or annual subscription, or 
both, or neither.^ Your name is already incorporated, not only 
with my heart, but with my child. It would gratify me to 
record it in my parochial book also. But be assured, that if 
17 



190 MEMOIRS OF THE 

you refuse me (and pray do so without reserve, if you see 
good reason for it,) I shall ascribe your non-compliance solely 
to the purest motives. My school, both in its erection and 
continuance, is, and will be, a monument of personal esteem 
to me, and of charily to my poor children. Your faithful 
friend, L. Richmond." 

The fidelity of detail which we have prescribed to ourselves 
in the execution of the present Memoir, compels us to advert 
to a subject of peculiar delicacy. Though it was the object 
of Mr. Richmond to train up his family, from their earliest 
youth, in those principles which he himself professed and adorn- 
ed; circumstances of a painful nature occurred in the conduct 
of his eldest son Nugent. It cannot fail to afflict the mind 
of a pious parent, when he perceives no fruit from the seeds 
of piety, which he has been anxious to implant in the hearts 
of his children. Yet this is far from being an uncommon case; 
children do not always adopt the views, or walk in the steps 
of those who have gone before them; unhappily, examples are 
not wanting in the families of pious parents, of greater evils 
in the conduct of their children, than are generally found even 
amongst the worldly and the unbelieving. Such grievous dis- 
appointments may, perhaps, be traced in many instances to 
the neglect, the weakness, or the inconsistency of the parents, 
who are rebuked and chastised by the Almighty, in the ini- 
quity of their offspring: yet in other cases, trials may be per- 
mitted, to exercise faith, deepen repentance, quicken diligence, 
and excite to more frequent and fervent supplications at a 
throne of grace. But whatever be the cause of these mourn- 
ful dispensations, they certainly confirm the views and declar- 
ations of Scripture, respecting the awful condition of our fallen 
nature. They shew that where the heart is not renewed by 
divine grace, the best instructions and the brightest examples 
are without effect. 

Mr. Richmond used every means in the power of a Chris- 
tian parent, to instruct his children, and to restrain their evil 
propensities. Neither solemn expostulations, nor tender en- 
treaties, nor fervent prayers were wanting; but they were in 
this case apparently without effect. At length, discovering 
that his son, now sixteen years of age, evinced a decided pre- 
dilection for a sea-faring life (one of the last occupations in 
which he wished to see him engaged;) he conferred with a 
valued friend in the Transport Office, by whose advice it was 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 191 

ultimately arranged that Nugent should embark in a mer- 
chant's vessel destined to Ceylon. 

These circumstances deeply wounded Mr. Richmond's pa- 
ternal feelings, and required the utmost exercise of his princi- 
ples to support him under them. It was a disappointment of 
the keenest kind. This was his first-born son, and in the days 
of tender infancy he had fondly devoted him to be a minister 
of the sanctuary. But the plant was blighted in the bud. Yet 
he submitted with a confiding, though mournful spirit to the 
will of God: he met his son at Deptford; urged whatever af- 
fection and duty could suggest; visited him again for the last 
time at Portsmouth, where the vessel had arrived; and having 
presented him with a Bible, which he conjured him carefully 
to peruse, he committed him to that God who has promis- 
ed, ^'I will pour my Spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing 
upon thine offspring." Isa. xliv, 3. He saw the vessel pro- 
ceed on her voyage with emotions better conceived than de- 
scribed, and lingered on the shore till its white sails were dis- 
cernible no longer. 

The name of the ship was the Arniston. The expected 
time of absence was two years. Mr. Richmond received let- 
ters from his son, during the voyage, as he arrived at Madeira, 
and afterwards at the Cape of Good Hope, in the month of 
September; and finally from Ceylon, dated at Columbo, which 
place he reached in January, 1815. 

These letters expressed regret for his past conduct, and a 
hope that he might one day prove a consolation to his parents: 
other letters which he subsequently wrote were to the same 
effect. 

About sixteen months afterwards, Mr. Richmond read the 
afflicting account in the public prints, that the Arniston, on 
its return from Ceylon to Europe, had been lost in a dreadful 
gale of wind, near the Cape of Good Hope; and that there 
was reason to fear that every person on board had perished. 
Who can describe the feelings which, at that moment, rent 
the hearts of the unhappy parents? The intelligence was 
brought by a vessel from the Cape, which had heard the re- 
port on its voyage homewards. Still, no official intelligence 
bad reached this country. Mr. Richmond waited the result 
with the most painful anxiety. Information was at length re- 
ceived, that the vessel was wrecked near Cape LaguUas, and 
that every passenger on board had perished, with the excep- 
tion of six persons, whose names were specified; in which 
number Mr. Richmond's son was not mentioned. 



192 MEMOIRS OP THE 

The whole family went into mourning: and the father sor- 
rowed for his lost child with a grief unmitigated bj the com- 
munication of any cheering circumstance as to the state of his 
mind, or his fitness for so sudden a change. 

About three months afterwards, a letter was delirered to 
Mr. Richmond in the hand- writing of the rery son whom he 
mourned as dead; announcing that he was alive, — that cir- 
cumstances had prevented his setting sail in the Amiston, of 
whose fate he seemed to be unconscious; and communicating 
details of his present engagements and futare prospects I The 
transition of feeling to which the receipt of this letter gave 
rise, produced an elect almost as overwhelming as that which 
the report of his death had occasioned. The family mourn- 
ing was laid aside, and Mr. Richmond trusted he might re- 
cognize, in this signal interposition of divine Providence, a 
ground for hope that his child's present deliverance was a 
pledge of that spiritual recovery, which was now alone want- 
ing to fill up the measure of his gratitude and praise. 

The following letters, written during the period of painful 
suspense, equally discover the heart of the parent^ and the 
piety of the Christian. 

"My dear Mary, On my return last night from the scenery 
of that perfect Paradise, the district of the Lakes, I found 
your triple letter. With a heart responsire to your own, and 
whose happiness depends on yours, I throw myself along with 
you at the footstool of grace and mercy, and say, Not my 
will, but thine be done, O Lord I Be calm, be very calm, my 
love, and wait the Lord's will. It appears, doubtless, more 
probable that the commissioners of the Transport Office, and 
the ship-owners, should know the fact, than others. Mr. H. 
argues on that ground; and it is our wisdom to foUow him, 
and pause. Perhaps the report is designed of God, to do us 
good: nay, can I doubt itr U it should prove true, the tem- 
porary check given to it has a lenient and merciful tendency, 
to prepare our minds for events; if false, it must call forth 
our gratitude, when it shall be proved so. It can be no sub- 
ject of wonder to either you or me, that accidents should hap- 
pen amidst the perils of the seas. I have ever felt it a duty 
to ray own feelings, to look upon such as at all times probable; 
and so, I am persuaded, have you. After all that we have 
gone through on that trying subject, I hope we are prepared 
to view all its contingencies, as those who have experienced 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 193 

too much mercy from our God and Saviour, not to trust him in 
the darker and more mysterious providences vrith which he 
may see good to try us. I perfectly accord v^ith you, in the 
most willing surrender of his life, if his soul be but safe: and 
if it has pleased God to remove him in this way, why should 
we wholly despair of answers to prayer? I have faith in that 
very prayer you offered up in May last for him,^ and in many 
others which you have sent forth to heaven in his behalf. 
Knowing nothing but what your letter affords me, I shall wait, 
and cast my burden on the Lord. Do you the same; and 
then we shall sweetly meet at the throne of grace, in daily 
unity and blessed accord. I could never for an instant doubt 
that God had some designs of wisdom and love in the trials of 
last May; and I hope amongst them is a more calm, resigned, 
hopeful, and solid state of mind, as it concerns our son. I 
will, therefore, for the present, close the subject, with an earn- 
est prayer, that you and I may mutually cast our care on Him 
who careth for us, who preserveth us daily, and crowneth our 
unworthiness with his mercies. He has a right to it, and we 
will not rob him of the honor of keeping us as the apple of 
his eye. So he giveth his beloved rest. Amen!" 

My dear Mother, We thank you from our hearts, for all 
your kindness. We feel a calm resignation to the will of God 
in this new trial, and recognise evidences of his covenant love 
in the consolations which he vouchsafes us. Nature and mem- 
ory will now and then be very busy, and we feel greatly. Then 
we think of the efficacy of prayer, in connexion with promise, 
and are strengthened and supported. I doubt not that a veil 
is permitted to be thrown over the last nine months of poor 
dear Nugent's life, in order that faith and hope may have a 
ground for exercise. I am willing to believe, that, in addition 
to all others, the prayers of his apparently dying mother, a 
fortnight before the shipwreck, were too fervent and spiritually 
effectual not to avail much for her son. 'The promise is to 
you and to your children, and to them that are afar off.' 

''The people here once more assembled in crowds at 
prayer-meetings, for us: above 250 gathered together last 
night. Much sympathy prevails; and I trust God is making 
'all things work together for the good of them that love him, 
and are the called according to his purpose.' My dear wife 
exhibits all the grace and Christianity of last May, on the 

^ During the period of her dangerous illness. 
17* 



194 MEMOIRS OF THE 

present occasion. She is incessantly occupied: she devotes 
four entire hours to the boys alone, daily, independently of the 
three hours which they pass with Mr. Garrard. The remain- 
der is appropriated to the other children and the household. 
She has high ideas of the duties both of a wife and mother, 
and seems to lay herself out for both, with a mixture of good 
sense and piety which I have never seen exceeded, seldom 
equalled. God gives her great strength of mind at present, 
although she often testifies debility of body and spirit. You 
may write to her without fear. I was prepared, by contradic- 
tory reports, for some weeks past, to meet the confirmation of 
this sad catastrophe, and so was my dear wife in a measure: 
but last Saturday morning, as we, and the three elder girls, 
were breakfasting at Mr. Livius's, at Bedford, the newspaper, 
containing the whole melancholy narrative, was taken up by 
my wife, and she instantly and suddenly saw the account. It 
was a trying hour and we ail melted.'^ Friends in need are 
friends indeed, and amongst our greatest earthly mercies. 
Nobody but ourselves can rightly estimate this trial, because 
none else can know what we went through on that poor boy's 
account. Thank God, we cannot reproach ourselves, — we did 
the best we could, from his birth. The Lord saw fit to try 
us, but it was in wisdom and love. We dreaded his return 
to England, unless he was greatly changed: but who shall 
say that the great change was not wrought, through his own 
trials and sufferings, sanctified of God to his soul? Poor boy! 
when his watery grave appeared to be his immediate and only 
refuge, he must have thought of his poor parents, and needed 
a friend and counsellor. But I hope God was better to him 
than any earthly friend, — and then, all is well for him and us 
too. A thousand thoughts sometimes crowd into our minds, 
and make us weep. Then comes the kind Redeemer, and 
wipes away the tears from our eyes. ^This is the victory that 
overcometh the world, even our faith,' your affectionate son, 

Legh Richmond. 

The following pastoral letter alludes to the same subject: — 

^^My dear Friends, 

^^I expected to have the satisfaction of speaking to you 
this day from the pulpit, after a journey, during which I have 
seen much of the blessing of God, both in my public labors 
and my private intercourse; — but we know not what a day 
may bring forth! It has pleased Him; with whom are the 



REV. LEGH RICHMOxXD. 195 

issues of life and death, to bring me acquainted with the event 
of the death of my first-born child bj shipwreck, on the shores 
of Africa, on the 30th of May last. I know that I have many 
dear friends amongst you, who will feel for me under this trial, 
and make allowance for my state of mind, as not permitting 
me to come out this day. Nevertheless, I wish you to hear 
something of my thoughts, and to know how a covenant God 
and Saviour supports me under this bereavement. I have, 
therefore, desired that you would gather together as many 
friends and neighbours as you can for prayer. We feel most 
thankful to God, and to you, for your prayers, when my dear 
partner seemed to be dying; and believe that the Lord heard 
you. We think that he will hear you again, when you ask that 
this trial may be sanctified to us, and over-ruled to God's 
glory, and the final comfort of many a soul. 

'^You are none of you ignorant that it pleased God to per- 
mit grievous exercises of mind to befal his parents, through 
some circumstances connected with the conduct of this now 
departed youth; and I believe that very many of you have 
felt much for us before now, on this account. Yet we feel it 
to be a great mercy, that, making all necessary allowances for 
human defects and failings, we cannot reproach ourselves with 
misconduct towards him. We did what we believed to be 
right and best for him, from his infancy: the precepts, the 
principles, the instructions, and the examples which we en- 
deavoured to set before him, were, to the utmost of our power, 
according to the word of God, to the time of his leaving us. 
And then we were perfectly satisfied that God, in his provi- 
dence, had opened the best and only possible way of avoiding 
greater evils, when he shewed us and our child, that it was 
right and necessary he should choose a sea-life, as his ap- 
pointed path. However contrary to our former wishes, we 
submitted to the will of God; and he very cheerfully set out on 
Ms voyage. The God who saw good that this should be his 
lot and portion, has forbidden his return home again; and our 
boy has gone the way of all flesh. ^The Lord gave, and the 
Lord hath taken away, — blessed be the name of the Lord!' 
But here is our hope and consolation. Nearly eighteen years, 
prayers have been unceasingly offered up for his spiritual 
welfare, and I believe that" none of those prayers were 
unavailing. Only a fortnight before the time at which he 
died, his mother was wrestling in earnest and believing prayer, 
for his soul to be reconciled to God. The Lord heard her for 
herself; and may we not hope that he who says, Hhe promise 



196 MEMOIRS OF THE 

is to you and to your children,' would hear her for him likewise ? 
Moreover, you prayed earnestly for her and for him too; and 
the Lord heard you for her, — why not for him likewise? All 
these things appear to the eye of my faith, as links in the 
chain of grace: and I do therefore hope, that, amidst the 
trials and wonders of the deep, faith and repentance might be 
granted to our poor boy, before he departed hence, and was no 
more seen. O parents! learn to pray for yourselves, and 
then you shall be heard for your children. VVe are most 
thankful to God, for enabling us to take this view of his cove- 
nant love, and to build hope on this Rock of ages. 

^^Some of you will remember him with affection, although you 
used to mourn over his errors. I sincerely hope you will yet 
meet him in a better world, — where shall be neither sin nor 
sorrow, and where no acts of real kindness to your fellow- 
creatures will be forgotten.' 

^'I have often called on you as missionary friends; and I 
hope I shall prevail on still more of you to help the cause of 
poor injured Africa. 

*'We seem to have now another strong feeling towards the 
shores of Africa. Poor Nugent lies buried there! and our 
missionary pennies and pounds are going to a country, which 
his father loves for the negro's and the Hottentot's sake, as 
well as because his son has there found a grave. May the 
living and the dead in Africa experience the blessing of 
the Lord! 

^'Grace, peace, and mercy be upon you all! I hope His 
presence will be with you, when you meet for prayer; and if 
(as may be probably the case) some may~not be with you the 
first time you hear this, call another meeting, and read this 
letter again, so that all may hear it who wish to do so. And 
believe me, with much Christian love, to be your affectionate 
friend and minister, Legh Richmond. 

We have already alluded to Hhe Fathers of the English 
Church,' and to a respectable body of the clergy, at whose 
earnest entreaty, and on whose promise of support, Mr. Rich- 
mond undertook that important publication. At the same time 
they submitted to his consideration the propriety of confining 
his selections from the writings of the Reformers to four octavo 
volumes. 

In yielding to the wishes of his clerical brethren, amongst 
whom was the late Mr. Robinson, of Leicester, and Dr. 
Gilbee, the rector of Barby, in Northamptonshire, he con- 
sidered the whole body of his advisers as responsible for the 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 197 

expenses, and pledged to carry him through the hazard of the 
undertaking: and with this idea, he announced the proposed 
work, under the sanction of a joint editorship. The selection 
was, however, left to his own discretion; and trusting too 
implicitly to the reputation and merits of the Reformers, and 
judging of the public mind by his own estimation of their 
writings, he extended the work to eight volumes. Admitting 
the value of his materials, we still question the propriety of in- 
creasing the size of the publication; not only because the risk 
was doubled, but also, because the purchase was thereby ren- 
dered too expensive for the generality of theological readers. 
Whatever might be the cause, the sale was comparatively 
slow. It neither fulfilled the expectations of Mr. Richmond 
and his friends, nor was it in any way commensurate with the 
sterling value of the work. The spirit of the age was not 
sufficiently advanced to appreciate the importance of such an 
undertaking, though its merits are now generally admitted, 
and it has become a book of acknowledged reference. And 
yet it was allowed by competent judges that the editor had 
performed his office of selection with great fidelity; includ- 
ing the sentiments of all, and excluding none; mingling with 
them no comments of his own, but leaving the reader to the 
free and unfettered exercise of his judgment. 

Worldly policy, however, was not one of the qualifications 
of the subject of this Memoir: he was by no means fitted for 
transactions of a secular nature. None possessed more of the 
harmlessness of the dove, — few had less of the cautious pru- 
dence of the serpent.^ 

The sale of ^The Fathers' was insufficient to defray the 
expenses of publication; and in the summer of 1814, on a bal- 
ance of accounts, it appeared that Mr. Richmond was indebt- 
ed to his publisher in the sum of 2,000/.; and that he had no 
means of defraying this large amount, but by the stock in 
hand. 

These pecuniray embarrassments lay heavy on the mind of 
Mr. Richmond, and deeply affected his spirits. His depres- 
sion was observed by his friends; but it was not without diffi- 
culty he was prevailed on to disclose the cause. He was a 



* Mr. Richmond's aversion to the affairs of this life^ and his consequent 
unfitness for them, is portrayed in the following- anecdote. — lie was on a visit 
to his friend Mr. F., who excused his absence by snyine: — '^I must leave you 
for an hour, Richmond, to do penance at our parish vestry." "If/' replied 
Mr, Richmond, "it is penance to you, it would !)e a perfect purgatory to 
me.'' 



198 MEMOIRS OF THE 

man of most delicate feeling, and shrunk from the idea of callr 
ing on others for relief. 

The knowledge of these facts induced many of his friends 
to exert themselves in the sale of Hhe Fathers;' and by their 
exertions, in the course of about fifteen months, the whok 
debt was discharged. 

It is not intended, by the above remarks, to reflect on the 
parties with whom the work originated, or on the persons era- 
ployed in its publication: yet it is but common justice to our 
much-esteemed friend to explain to the world a transaction, 
to which no small blame has been attached, yet in which noth- 
inof is to be reo-retted but the increased size of the work, and 
his want of knowledge in the business-part of its publication. 
In the pecuniary transaction of life, Mr. Richmond preserved 
an undeviating rectitude. With an income never exceeding 
400/. or 500/., till within a few years of his decease; and 
with a family of twelve children, to be maintained and edu- 
cated, (with the exception of two, w^io died in infancy) it is 
much to his credit that he provided things honest in the sight 
of all men, 'owing no man any thing,' and depending only on 
his own resources. With respect to the difficulties arising 
from the publication of Hhe Fathers,' he ever considered him- 
self entitled to public sympathy and relief, having undertaken 
the work, not indeed with the security of legal instruments, 
yet with the implied engagement of an adequate support. 
Whether he was right in this supposition, we are not prepared 
to decide. The history of this transaction conveys, however, 
an impressive lesson to all candidates for the press, not to 
engage too precipitately in the dangers and risks of authorship; 
but to calculate the consequences, and by wise and judicious 
arrangements, to endeavor to ensure success, or to anticipate 
the possibility of failure. 

The following letter shews the strength of his faith, and 
his implicit reliance on the promises of God, amidst his diffi- 
culties. 

"Huddersjield, August 2S, 1814. 

"With the most affectionate love, regard, and estimation, 
my dearest Mary, I must expostulate with you, on this mis- 
trustful and despondent view which you seem too willing to 
indulge. I may say, what has God done, in his whole course 
of providential mercies for eighteen years, that we should not, 
to the fullest extent, trust Him with ourselves, our fortunes, 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 199 

and our children, for the time to come? Will mistrust of our 
only Provider and Protector, render us less likelj to meet with 
trials? I am too deeply sensible, and grateful also for your 
conduct and feeling on the general subject of domestic mat- 
ters, not to enter most heartily into them. But as you have 
asked my advice on your state of mind, I do most earnestly 
coHrjure you to consider the genuine meaning of those texts— 
^Take no thought for the morrow;' and 'Be careful for noth- 
ing, but in every thinghy prayer and supplication, with thanks- 
giving, let your requests be made known unto God,' &lc. Phil. 
iv, 6, 7. See also, 1 Peter v, 7; Psalm Iv, 22; and many 
more. I am persuaded that mistrust of God's providential 
care is a besetting sin of many of God's children, and hinders 
much of their peace, com^fort, and usefulness. You are not 
justified, my dear Mary, in foreboding evil to yourself and your 
children. How many clergymen with large families have 
much fewer comforts, and worse prospects? God has blessed 
us too much in many points of view, to warrant such sad con- 
clusions and gloomy doubts. Pray lay these things more un- 
conditionally on the Lord, and He will infallibly prepare, 
strengthen, and support you in every thing. What has he not 
done to prove this ? It is the joy of my heart to hope and think 
that your merciful restoration to me and mine, is to exemplify 
a lasting confidence in the wisdom, love, and power of that 
God, who so delightfully brought you through the greatest of 
all trials, in the valley of death,^ leaning on his rod and his 
staff. May God enable you to keep up my spirits as well as 
your own, by the belief, that he who hath done, will also do, 
all things well. It is my perfect persuasion that by faith we 
are saved, in body as well as in soul. Therefore, with the 
minutest attention to every prudent and active means, 'Only 
believe I' is the Christian's motto." 

During the Emperor Alexander's visit to this country, Mr. 
Richmond had the gratification of meeting him at Portsmouth. 
Mr. Richmond had ascended a lofty tower in the dock-yard, 
and from its summit was viewing, through a telescope, the sur- 
rounding objects, when his imperial majesty and suite unex- 
pectedly entered. Mr. Richmond oftered to withdraw; but 
the Emperor would not consent, saying — ''Perhaps, sir, you 
are acquainted with the points of view before us?" Mr. 
Richmond assured him he well knew every spot in the neigh- 
borhood; and drawing out his telescope, directed the eye of 
the Emperor to the different objects worthy of notice. After 



200 MEMOIRS OF THE 

a long and interesting conversation with his majesty, before 
they separated, Mr. Richmond said — ''I avail myself of this 
opportunity to thank your imperial majesty, in my own name, 
and in that of all the friends of the Bible Society in England, 
for the distinguished patronage and support that your majesty 
has shewn to the same cause in Russia." The Emperor oblig- 
ingly replied, — ''Sir, my thanks are rather due to your coun- 
try, and to the friends of the cause: for had it not been for 
your example, we should have had no Bible Society in Rus- 



Some months after this remarkable interview, Mr. Rich- 
mond inclosed a copy of his Tracts, with the following letter, 
to his imperial majesty. 

^^May it please your Imperial Majesty, 
''An offer has been made to me by the Rev. Mr. Paterson, 
of conveying a copy of the book which accompanies this letter 
to your Imperial Majesty, through the kindness and conde- 
scension of His Excellency the Prince Galitzin. 

"In presuming to take this liberty, I am influenced, not by 
the opinion which I myself entertain as to the value of the 
contents of the volume, but by the firm persuasion which I hold, 
that the Christian sentiments which form the foundation of - 
those simple narratives, are dear to your Majesty's heart. 

"Your Majesty's public conduct and avowed principles have 
tended to convince me, that neither the splendor of imperial 
dignity, nor the glory of military conquests, are, in your Ma- 
jesty's estimation, comparable to the privileges and blessings 
which Christianity alone can confer on those who live under 
the influence of the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
Christ. 

"In the belief and hope that it is your Majesty's desire to 
promote the temporal and eternal interests of the people of 
Russia, by an instrument, however apparently small and un- 
worthy, which God may see good to bless, I submit this little 
vokme to your Majesty's candid acceptance. 

"These short 'Annals of the Poor' have been made very 
useful, through the mercy and power of God, to many in this 
country. England is now attached to Russia, not only by past 
political and friendly relations, but much more than ever, by 
your Majesty's dignified and condescending deportment, dur- 
ing your recent visit to this kingdom. May the King of kings, 
who is alike the Lord of Russia and of Britain, make use of 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 201 

even so feeble an instrument as this little volume, to convey 
some of the spiritual blessings which have attended its pub- 
lication in Britain, to the utmost extent of your Majesty's 
dominions. 

"When your Majesty shall be pleased to receive this book, 
may the author of it be permitted to remind your Majesty, that 
he is the same individual whom your Majesty saw at the sum- 
mit of the lofty tower, in the dock-yard at Portsmouth, on 
Friday, June 24th last; and who then had the unexpected 
honor of lending your Majesty the telescope with which your 
Majesty surveyed the surrounding prospect. The kind and 
condescending manner in which your Majesty was pleased to 
notice an English stranger on that occasion, is recollected with 
the sincerest satisfaction and gratitude, whilst I now present 
this volume to your Majesty's notice. 

"Your Majesty will be pleased to allow me, as a minister 
of the Gospel, to conclude by praying Almighty God, that His 
grace, peace, and mercy, may be abundantly poured down 
upon your Majesty, and upon the people of your extensive 
dominions, over whom he has given you the earthly sove- 
reignty. 

"May the Gospel of the blessed Jesus prosper among the 
subjects of all the Russias; and that it may be your Majesty's 
chief crown of rejoicing, in the great day of his appearance, 
is the supplication of your Imperial Majesty's most obedient 
and unworthy servant, Legh Richmond." 

The following reply was received by Mr. Richmond from 
his Imperial Majesty, accompanied with a ring of considera- 
ble value: — 

"Reverend Sir, The copy of your book, entitled ^Annals 
of the Poor,' was, according to your desire, presented to his 
Imperial Majesty, the Emperor Alexander, by me, together 
with your letter, and accepted by his Majesty, with the great- 
est satisfaction. The object of this volume, the promotion of 
Christian charity and truly religious sentiments, renders it 
most valuable and interesting in the eyes of the Emperor, who 
desires nothing so much as to see the principles of the Gospel 
of Jesus Christ our Saviour, more and more universal in his 
dominions, and in the whole world. 

"On this occasion, his Imperial Majesty recollected also 
having made your acquaintance in Portsmouth, under the cir- 
cumstances you describe in your letter. 
18 



"202 MEMOIRS OF THE 

*^In consequence of all this, his Majesty ordered me to de» 
posit your book in the library of the Imperial Humane Society, 
and to send the ring which accompanies this letter, as a mark 
of his true esteem for you, and high approbation of your 
work. 

''It is very agreeable to me, in thus fulfilling the order of 
my sovereign, to assure you of the sincere esteem with which 
I have the honor to be your most obedient servant, 

"Alexander Galitzin." 

''St. Petersburgh, Jan. 14^ 1817. 

Mr. Richmond also presented a copy of his 'Young Cot- 
tager' to Princess Sophia Metstchersky, who first translated 
the tract of the Dairyman's Daughter into the Russian lan- 
guage. This noble lady's time and influence are consecrated 
to the cause of religion, and many instances are recorded of 
her usefulness. May her distinguished example inspire a like 
zeal in others of the same elevated rank; and may the time 
soon arrive, when the crown and the coronet shall universally 
be laid at the foot of the cross of the Redeemer! 

He received from her Highness the following answer: — 

' 'Reverend Sir, I have been hesitating for some days if I 
should stop to answer you till Mr. Pinkerton would be here, in 
hope that he would help me to express my gratitude for your 
kind letter and valuable present in proper time; but I am 
afraid it will be too long, and you will perhaps suppose me 
indifferent and ungrateful, so I venture to send you my bad 
English without correction. 

''Remember, dear Sir, that I am but a scholar, a very 
new one, and quite unfit to correspond with such a man as 
yoK, though my soul is capable of loving you as a brother and 
friend in Christ Jesus; and of admiring you as a chosen ser- 
vant of his, a vessel unto honor, sanctified and meet for the 
Master's use, and for the edification and comfort of his chil- 
dren. Yes, sir, I hope I am united to you in one body and 
soul, which is Christ Jesus the Saviour; and I say, with 'Lit- 
tle Jane,' that I am happy to be even the smallest and lowest 
of all his members. How much I delighted in reading this 
narrative; how wonderful the grace of our Lord! how happy the 
country where children are brought up in the fear of God, and 
taught so young to love and serve the Saviour! what an em- 
inent Christian, — so young a child! But this is neither to be 
taught nor learnt. He alone can give it, who is love itself, 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND, 203 

and who purchased us to himself by shedding his precious blood 
for us. Oh, sir, you do not know, perhaps, to what an un- 
worthy being you wrote. I have passed all my life in the ig- 
norance of Him who died for me; without love to Him who 
loved me first, and sought me out, when I hastened to my ruin 
in a life of enmity to my God. He sought me out, and mer- 
cifully sent His servant Pinkerton to open my eyes and my 
ears by the power of His word, so that I plainly see now 
what a sinful, wicked creature I am: what a gracious, merci^ 
ful God to offend! and how kind, and always ready and will- 
ing to receive us, our Saviour Jesus Christ is, and always 
will be! How good He was to me, sending such a meek, pa- 
tient, loving soul, as the worthy Mr. Pinkerton proved to be 
during his living in my family.^ What a life of disgust it 
must have been to a man of his distinguished merit, to bear 
with the caprices and wickedness of a spoiled, ignorant, and 
proud woman; but ^charity seeketh not her own, is not easily 
provoked, beareth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all 
things: charity never faileth:' I have an evident proof of it 
in my dear friend and instructor. But I must stop, and ask 
to be forgiven for having written so much: my heart opens at 
the voice of a friend, and then I speak out of the fulness of 
it. Excuse me, then, sir, for intruding so much upon your 
time. Pray for me, that I may come in faith and grace to 
the happy day, in which I shall be enabled to join with you 
in joyful hallelujahs and eternal praises of our heavenly Father 
and divine Saviour. Oh, may his peace always be with you! 
Receive with indulgence, dear sir, my hearty thanks; and the 
assurance of the sincere esteem and high regard with which 
I am your much obliged and obedient, 

^'P. Sophia Metstchersky." 



The letters to Mrs. Livius, which are next inserted, were 
written about this- period, and the editor cannot recur to them 
without feelings of the liveliest emotion. They allude to an 
excellent and highly valued character, the late George 
Livius, Esq., who is endeared to the writer by recollections 
which time cannot impair, — which live not only in the mem- 
ory, but in the heart. He once knew the world, but had 
long retired from it, and left it in pursuit of a better. Hn 

* Mr. (now Dr.) Pinkertoii; was entrusted with the education of this t's- 
, linguishcd lady's children. 



204 MEMOIRS OF THE 

was the well-known Gaius^ of the county where he lived, — 
the lover of good men, of whatever name or title: he was 
purified in the furnace of affliction; but his trials are now 
terminated, and he has entered on those blest abodes where 
rest is promised to the wearv, and where sorrow and sighing 
liee awar.t 

The editor trusts he shall be pardoned this short indul- 
gence of awakened feeling towards one who was his father- 
in-law, and who eminently united to the interesting qualities 
that adorn the man, the principles and graces that constitute 
the Christian. 

Nov. 15. 1816. 
^Oly dear Madam, — Permit me to exercise the Christian 
privilege of at once condoling and consoling you. Often have 
I felt with and for you, as it has long respected your depart- 
ed son; yet I doubt not, every pang of his, and every grief, 
have alike had their allotted embassy, and that a message of 
mercy to both. The valley of tears is strewed with rocks 
and thorns, and the pathway often lies through deep waters; 
yet the rocks are placed there by him who is emphatically 
ihe Rock; the thorn of care is not unaccompanied by the rose 
of Sharon; and in the deep waters God has promised to de- 
liver. If this valley be a wilderness, it is one through which 
his people are journeying, and in the midst of its darkest 
shades they fear no evil, for He is with them; his rod and 
staff are their support and consolation. Is it not so, my hon- 
ored friend.^ That you and I may ever prove it, is the sin- 
cere prayer of my dear wife and of your affectionate friend, 

Legh Richmoxd. 

Xov. 23, 1S16. 
'Oly dear Madam, — Allow me once more to express the 
friendly solicitude which I feel for you and my honored friend Mr. 
Livius, under your recent and present trial. 1 His strength and 

- A name given lo him, expressive of his hospitahiy. St. Paul cilludes to 
Gaius. as the'host by whom he was entertained. Romans xvi, 23. 

t The following: anecdote deserves to be preserved, relating- to this ffenlle- 
man. He was fonnerly resident in India, where he held an important office, 
in the time of WaiTen'Hastings. Being some time after requested by Mr. 
Burke, who conducted the celebrated impeachment of Governor Hastings, to 
funiish him with some fresh charges, of which it was kno%A-n that Mr. Civius 
was in possession, the latter inquired what number he already intended to pre- 
fer? 'Wo have now,'* replied Mr. Burke, •'twenty-seven charges ag-ainst 
liim.'' '-Then,-' said Mr. Livius, 'I v,i\\ not add one more to the number, 
for vou have tirentu too many.'' 

; The death of one of their sons, and the dangerous ilbiess of Mr. Livius. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 205 

Spirits would not admit of my saying all which my heart dic- 
tated when I saw him yesterday. I wish him to know how 
much I have valued his friendship, and how grateful I feel 
for a series of hospitality and kindness of no ordinary charac- 
ter, for a period of now near eleven years. I wish him to 
know that I have ever been a sympathising observer of his 
bodily sufferings; and have entertained a cordial esteem and 
regard for his many amiable and excellent qualities of head 
^ and heart. 

"The confidential intercourse with which, at various pe- 
riods, he has been pleased to favor me, cannot be obliterated 
from my recollection, nor effaced from my affections. It is my 
heart's prayer that his consolations may be ^neither few nor 
small;' that the peace of God may be his resting-pillow, and 
that God will ^make his bed in all his sickness.' Not one 
affliction has ever befallen him beyond what his heavenly 
Father designed for his present and eternal good. Wisdom, 
mercy, power, and faithfulness, have guided all. May each 
of his children be blessed with a heart taught by the same 
spirit who hath taught him and you to look to the Strong One 
for help; and may they be effectually preserved from the 
snares and delusions of this present evil world. 

''May you, my dear friend, be upheld by a Saviour's power 
and love, to fulfil every arduous task which his wisdom assigns 
you. Forgive this intrusion, solely prompted by grateful 
friendship. Accept our united assurances of love for you and 
yours." 

Dec. 18, 1816. 

"My very dear friend, — It is fit that the same moment 
which brings me the long-expected, yet afflicting tidings of 
my much-loved friend's departure from this vale of tears, 
should dictate a few sympathetic lines to his dear relict. 
Your mind has long waited this event, with Christian resig- 
nation. May the Spirit of power and peace bless his own 
preparation, now that the hour of trial has arrived ! You have 
the prayers of many friends to mingle with your own. These, 
in God's sight, are riches. May you enjoy them spiritually 
and eternally. 'Tribulation worketh patience; patience, ex- 
perience; experience, hope;' hope thou therefore in God. 
Time is swiftly passing away, and its stream is gradually 
absorbed in eternity. Our years roll on, and we shall soon 
be there; and there we shall meet those who have loved 
Christ, and loved us. There, dear madam, in the bosom of 
18* 



/ 



206 MEMOIRS OF THE 

your Saviour and God, you shall meet your dear husband. 
Till then, may faith, hope, peace, tranquillity, and love, guild 
your horizon, like resplendent clouds round the setting sun, 
prophetic of a bright approaching morning. Christ has be- 
queathed his peace to you; take it as his legacy, and use it 
to his glory. Mrs. Richmond unites in affectionate regards 
to you and all yours, under this present trial, with your affec- 
tionate friend, Legh Richmond. 

We close the chapter with a pleasing little poetical effusion, 
written about the same time: — 

A WIDOWTED MOTHER'S ADDRESS TO HER DAUGHTER, 
ON THE DAY OF HER MARRIAGE. 

Say, why should my bosom thus heave with a sig-h^ 
And the tear of aflection now start from my eye? 
Forgive me, my child, whom m.y soul holds so dearj — 
You've a smile from my heart; though my eye drops a tear! 

This si^h is the tribute of tenderest love, 

And I trust shall be heard in the mansions above; 

For it breathes a warm prayer to the bridegroom of heaven, 

That to thee^ now a bride, his best blessing be given. 

May He weave thee a garland on this nuptial mom, 
With the roses of Sharon thy brows to adorn; 
With the ring of his love, may he claim thee for his, 
And pronounce thee ^^joint heir'' of his heavenly bliss. 

May his true wedding robe, which he purchased with blood, 
Be thy portion, my daughter, by Jesus bestowed; 
By his grace freely pardoned, and cleansed from all sin, 
Be thou spotless without, and all glorious within. 

May my child and her partner, in holy connexion. 
Be united, through gi^ace, by true Christian aifection; 
May the wife prove a sister, the husband a brother. 
And each find a help in the faith of the other. 

Thus thy marriage on earth a sweet emblem shall be, 
Of a far brighter union provided for thee; 
And then, the few days of thy pilgrimage past. 
Thy Saviour will own Thee his spouse at the last. 

Peace be with you, my children! I speak without guile, 
I began with a tear, but I end with a smile; 
'Tis my hope, that your happiness nothing shall cloy, 
And the heart of the widow shall sing with new joy! 



KEV. LEGH RICHMOND. 207 



CHAPTER XII. 

Letter— Poetry — Description of lake scenery — Brief account of his first tour to Scot- 
land—His sentiments on Oratorios— Tribute to the memory of his mother, &c. 

It was usual with Mr. Richmond to raark with peculiar so- 
lemnity the birth-days of himself and all his family. These 
he kept as a kind of religious festival; — writing letters to the 
different members of his family, and preaching to his parish- 
ioners on an appropriate subject. The following letter he 
wrote to his mother on one of these occasions. 

"My dearest Mother, — The return of this day demands a 
return of affectionate regards to God, the author of my being, 
and to you, the instrument employed by him to convey life and 
existence to my unworthy self. Often do I reflect with love and 
gratitude on your kindness and watchful care over me, from 
infancy to the present moment. Your qualities of heart and 
head cannot be forgotten, any more than the name of parent; 
— a title consecrated by every principle, divine and human. 
This being my birth-day, I propose to preach on Psalm 
cxxxix, verses 14 — 18. How suitable for such a meditation! 
What a miracle is the life of man, viewed naturally, spirit- 
ually, and eternally! JJow incomprehensible, from the first 
to last! from conception to the cradle, — from the cradle to 
the grave, — from the grave to the resurrection, — from the 
resurrection through eternity! Then to consider the endless 
variety of frames, providences, events, souls, bodies, and 
spirits! Sometimes when I meditate on futurity, I am lost 
in inexplicable thought: I then see the importance of the 
mind's retiring into the consolations of the past and the pres- 
ent, as they rise from the revealed plan of salvation; and 
through that medium, even eternity assumes a solid and hope- 
ful aspect. 

"If ever I felt it more than ordinarily due to a valued par- 
ent to express my gratitude, it is at a time when she has so 
kindly and so considerately met the peculiar circumstances of 
difficulty, in which a variety of events have conspired to place 
me. Between my last and present birth-day, many sorrows, 
many shocks to feeling, many heavy expenses have occurred; 
my heart has been tried to the utmost: but your affectionate, 
unupbraiding, and liberal conduct, has proved a great cordial 
to me and my dear wife, in all our trials." 



208 MEMOIRS OF THE 

The following letter will introduce to the reader a son of 
Mr. Richmond's, of whom we shall have occasion to speak 
more fully towards the close of this Memoir. The name, as 
has been observed, was given to commemorate that remarkable 
event of his own life which arose from the perusal of Mr. 
Wilberforce's work on Practical Christianity. This boy was 
now^in his twelfth year; and we insert this letter principally 
to shew the manner in which Mr. Richmond addressed his 
children at an early age. 

^^My dear Wilberforce, 

'^Shall I have no cause for heart-ache at my return, 
when I inquire how my child has behaved? how he has at- 
tended to his learning? how he has adhered to truth in his 
words? Shall I be comforted with the glad tidings that your 
heart, and your conscience and your ways, all seem to partake 
of a happy influence ? That you shew your love to mamma by 
keeping her commandments ? That you pray to God to forgive 
you your sins, and hourly offences? Do the four walls of your 
little chamber bear witness to your prayers and supplications 
for yourself and me? Do the sun's rays, as they early pene- 
trate your window in the morning, find you early and active to 
rise, to read, to labor, and to grow in grace? 

'4 saw Litchfield cathedral, and attended divine service 
there. It is a much smaller one than York, but has great 
beauty; the organ notes rolled sublimely through the vaults, 
arches, pillars, and roof; and the exquisitely painted windows 
assimilated with such sounds, and rendered the effect very 
fine. It has three beautiful spires. 

^^One evening I travelled with a friend for three hours, 
amidst the most beautiful and never ceasing distant lightning; 
the whole western hemisphere was in a constant blaze; the 
flashes alternated from one point of the horizon to another, 
distance about forty-five degrees from it; sometimes the flashes 
were silvery, sometimes yellow, sometimes orange, sometimes 
forked, sometimes sheet-like; sometimes so vivid, you seemed 
to have a peep into more distant regions of space; sometimes 
more faint; now and then you heard slight rumblings, then all 
was silent. At one point the flashes gleamed upon a distant 
view of a castle, which seemed all on fire, and was only ren- 
dered visible by the effect of the lightning. A dark forest * 
lay behind, and formed a fine contrast. Sometimes the 
forked flashes hurried one another in a kind of playful pro- 
gress; at others, they dashed together as if in terrible combat: 



I 



HEV. LEGH RICHMOx\D. 209 



all tills passed between seven and ten o'clock, on the evening 
of June 28th. But what are these lightnings, compared with 
those which made Moses quake and tremble at Mount Sinai? 
or what were even the latter, when contrasted with those of 
God's wrath against sinners? Thunder and lightning is a fine 
emblem of Divine justice and threatenings. You have need 
to 'flee from the wrath to come.' 'Repent, for the kingdom 
of heaven is at hand.' 'The wicked, and all the people that 
forget God, shall be turned into hell.' Do you forget Him? 
— if so, what shall be your portion ? If you say you do not 
forget Him, how do you prove it? — 

-video meliora proboque 



Deteriora sequorj 

is the character of too many nominal Christians; I would not 
have it to be yours. An enlightened, but unconverted mind, 
has eyes and tongue to approve what is right; but the feet 
follow the paths of evil. A converted heart alone walks in 
the steps of Him who is 'the way, the truth, and the life.' 
Say— 

^^To me^ O Lord, be thou ^the way, 

To me, be thou 'the truth5' 
To me; my Saviour, be ^the life/ 
Thou Guardian of my youth! 

^^So shall Ihy ^way' be my delight, 
That Hruth' shall make me free; 
That ^life' shall raise me from the dead, 
And then Til live to Thee.'' 

"I sincerely hope you are beginning to be truly sensible of 
the danger of sin, and the necessity of seeking the Lord very 
early. Your life is an uncertainty, at best; occasional indis- 
positions should remind you that you may never arrive at 
man's estate. If you are to die a boy, we must look for 
a boy's religion, a boy's knowledge, a boy's faith, a boy's 
Saviour, — a boy's salvation! Or else, a boy's ignorance, — a 
boy's obstinacy, — a boy's unbelief, — a boy's idolatry, — a boy's 
destruction! Remember all this, and beware of sin; dread the 
sinfulness of an unchanged heart; — pray for a new one; pray 
for grace and pardon, and a soul conformed to the image of 
Christ Jesus; pray for wisdom, for the destruction of pride, 
vain conceit, and self-sufficiency. 'Be not slothful in business; 
but fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.' 

"Friends here inquire after you; but it is in the full hope 
that you go on well, creditably, obediently, industriously, 



210 MEMOIRS OF THE '*^^i 

humbly, and Christianly. Love to all, from your affectionate 
Father, L. Richmond." 

We here introduce a birth-day hymn, composed for his son 
Wilberforce : — 

'•'My years roll on in silent course, ^ 
Impelled by a resistless force: 
Awake; my soul! awake and sing, 
How good thy God, how great thy KingI 

"My years roll on: then let me know 
The great design for which they flow3 — 
And as the ship floats o'er the wave, 
Thy.^ssel, Lord! in mercy save. 

^•My years roll on: the tide of time 
Bears me through many a changing clime! 
I've summers, winters; — heat and cold, — 
Winds, calms, and tempests, ten times told. 

•"'My years roll on: but here's my hope, 
And this my everlasting prop: ^ /v 

Though seasons change, and I change too^ 
My God's the same3 — for ever true' 

•'My years roll on: and as they rajL 
Oh! may they waft my ransomelrsoul 
Safe through life's ocean, to yon shore, 
Where sins and sorrows grieve no more! 

"My years roll on: and with them flows 
That mercy which no limit knows: 
.■^ 'Tis Mercy's current makes me ghde^ 
In hope of safety, down the tide, 

^*My years roll on: my soul be siillj — - 
Guided by love, thy course fulfil: 
And, rny life's anxious voyage past, 
3Iv refuge be with Christ at last!" 

The birth of another child induced Mr. Richmond to request 
a very endeared friend, Mrs. R., formerly of Kendal, to stand 
as sponsor. The request was made in the following letter: — 

, ''Tun-ey,Ja7i.2S,lSlS. 

^^Will my dear friend, Mrs. R., allow me to enrol her 
name amongst the sponsors of my sweet little child at her ^ 
baptism? It is my wife's desire, as well as my own: do net — 

refuse us. Dear Mrs. F. of S Castle, is the other 

godmother. Join her in this act of charity and friendship, 
and thus put a seal to valuable recollections of Kendal, 
Keswick, kc. &c. The hymn of our last morning, after 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. H^ 211 

breakfast, still echoes a sweet farewell in my ear and my 
heart. 

"My babe is to be called Charlotte Elizabeth. Charlotte, 
as a memorial of the lamented Princess; and EMzabeth, as a 
memorial of Hhe Dairyman's Daughter.' A palace and a 
cottage here unite in my child's cradle: may she rock in 
peace, and ever be found in the arms of her Saviour." 

The following verses, composed By Mr. Richmond, were 
sung at the baptismal font, immediately after the service was 
concluded: — 

^^Welcome, dear babe, to Jesu's breast — 

For ever there securely rest: 

Welcome to these his courts below, — 

Here may our God his grace bestow. ^ 

^^Lord, sanctify this solemn hour. 
Thy spirit on our offspring- pou'rll^r 
Fulfil thy promise!*lo our child, 
May she in Christ be reconciled! 

* ^^These holy waters now proclaim 

Redemption free ii4 Jesu's name, 
Each sprinkled drop becomes a seal 
Of that salvation which we feel. 

''Behold th' affrighted infant weep! 
Fear has disturbed her gentle sleep. 
Weep not, dear babe, all others smile, 
II. And love and bless thee all the while. 

''Grant, Lord! if spared, the time may come. 
When, summoned to her heavenly home, ^ 

Though all around her weep and sigh, 
In smiles triumphant she may die! 

''Receive the helpless child, we pray, 
And seal her to Redemption's day. 
Mansions of bliss may she inherit, — 
The gift of Father, Sou, and Spirit!" 

With the lady who stood sponsor to his child, Mr. Rich- 
mond visited, during one of his tours in the North, the Lakes 
of Westmoreland. Among his'papers is a very pleasing de- 
scription of the scenery of that rich and romantic country. 
We extract the following passage, on account of its beauty: — 

^^There are numberless changes of effect produced in moun- 
tain scenery by the variation of sun, shade, mist, cloud, the 
state of vegetation, character of the atmosphere, and other 
causes, well known to every one familiar with such scenes; and 
they constitute no inconsiderable source of that high grlitifica- 



212 MEMOIRS OF THE 

tion which the traveller experiences * in the study of natural 
beauties. The same combination of objects, viewed under a 
change of external circumstances, forms completely a new 
scene, and possesses an appropriate charm; inasmuch as it 
is the same and yet different. This consideration unfolds an 
almost endless diversity of effect, to be observed and enjoyed 
by the mind which loves to investigate the varieties of which 
such prospects are susceptible. This double source of variety, 
sometimes occasioned by actual change of the principal object 
in the landscape, and sometimes only by a change of atten- 
dant circumstances, affords strong evidence that the Creator, 
in all his works, appears to delight in a profusion of that 
display of contrivance, skill, and diversity, which teaches the 
creature to adore his attribute of Omnipotence. But it does 
more: it leads to the contemplation of that which declares, 
that ^God is here!' The delight with which a CJuistian' 
traces the finger of God, in the midst of a fine prospect, does 
not merely arise from the admiration of divine power and con- 
trivance; nor from his own quick sense of beautiful and sub- 
lime imagery; nor from his deduction of cause and effect, 
which natural philosophy traces in the history of earth, 
air, fire, and water. He sees all this, it is true, and 
honors God in it. But he also sees, that in the whole of 
this complexity of wonders, this harmony of created existence, 
there is a purpose of benevolence. The diversified joys of 
the landscape all concentrate in the joy of devotion. It is 
the love of God to man which fills the scenery with beauty 
and delight; it is the love of God which adapts the mind of 
man to this peculiar capacity of intellectual enjoyment. 
Whether the Christian's survey of nature partakes of the 
skill of the artist, the energy of the poet, the science of 
the philosopher, — let his enjoyment arise from any or from all 
of these sources, — this is the crowning consideration, that these 
delights are given him of God, and are an evidence of God^s 
love to him. This leads him to reflect on his own charac- 
ter as a fallen sinner, yet still the object of such incompre- 
hensible mercy. 

"Under the impression of all these powerful emotions, he 
bursts forth into the pious reflection; 'What is man, O Lord, 
that thou art thus mindful of him, or the son of man, that 
thou so regardest him!' Nor can he refrain from exclaiming 
— 'O Lord our God, how excellent is thy name in all the 
earth!" 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 213 

We subjoin another reflection, as he surveyed the beautiful 
Lake of Windermere, from above the town of Bowness, where 
it first breaks upon the sight. 

"Was Paradise more enchanting than this? Did the Lord 
put our first parents into a garden more exquisitely beautiful 
than that before me? Could the river, which watered the 
plains and valleys of Eden, — could the ground out of which 
grew every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for 
food, present a more lovely sight than this? That Paradise is 
vanished from mortal sight and possession; but through the 
Redeemer, a brighter and immortal Paradise is regained; and 
the believer may see it emblematically and substantially rep- 
resented to him, in his spiritual enjoyment of such an earthly 
Paradise as the vale and mountains of Windermere." 

As he passes through the church-yard of Bowness, towards 
the Lake, he remarks: — 

"A country church-yard is ever an interesting object; but 
in such a situation as this, many new ideas are excited, which 
add greatly to contemplative affections. On entering it, I was 
immediately struck by seeing a newly-erected tomb-stone, at 
the east end of the church-yard, on which is inscribed the name 
of Richard Watson, late Bishop of Llandaff, who passed a 
large portion of the latter part of his life at a beautiful man- 
sion on the banks of Windermere: he died, aged 81. It was 
near this very day twelvemonths that I held a conversation 
^ with him, as he sat in his carriage, at Ambleside." 

Mr. Richmond, having received frequent invitations to visit 
Scotland, and being no less desirous himself of cultivating a 
personal intercourse with many valuable characters in that 
country, was induced, in the year 1818, to fulfil his long-med- 
itated project. The introduction of the Jewish subject afforded 
a favorable opportunity; though it was to be expected that the 
sphere of exertion would be somewhat contracted to an Epis- 
copalian pleader of that cause. We are in possession of very 
few notices of this first journey, beyond the accompanying let- 
ters; but we are furnished with more ample materials respect- 
ing a visit paid in 1820, to which we shall in due time direct 
the attention of the reader. 

# Edinburgh, July 17, 1818. 

"My dear Mary, — The respect, regard, friendship, and 

affection'^with which both myself and my cause are received, 

in every place, by the religious people in Scotland, constitute 

a feature in my life never to be forgotten. My whole mind 

19 



214 MEMOIRS OF THE 

is deeply busied in meditations upon the goodness and love 
of God. I can hardly expect to interest your mind in all the 
miniitice of my hourly intercourse; but I believe your eyes 
would be often filled with tears of gratitude, if you saw and 
heard all which I see and hear. 

''Delicate and difficult as the task is which I have to per- 
form, as an Episcopal missionary in this Presbyterian land, 
I seemed to have succeeded beyond hope; and I am laying 
the first foundation of a building, in which, if providence per- 
mit and spare me, I shall hereafter feel much interested, and 
the cause of God, I trust, be effectually promoted. But 
think not, my loved Mary, that amidst the bustle of mis- 
sionary arrangements, conversations, speeches, and ser- 
mons; nor amidst the wonders and beauties of mountains, 
lakes, cascades, rocks, glens, plains, rivers, trosacks, and 
woods, I forget my dear, dear domestic circle at home. You 
are all unceasingly before my eyes; and the family group 
mingles with every scene I behold, and every undertaking 
wherein I am concerned; and often I see my dear wife anx- 
iously and diligently pursuing the duties of her station, — smil- 
ing on the babe, or listening to the juvenile tales which a 
Catharine or a Legh may be able to read or to spell; or tak- 
ing your walk, during this beautiful weather, in the fields. Or 
I see you on your knees, praying for grace to enable you to 
act with judgment in all things; and supplicating mercies on 
your husband, as he journies by land or by water. Our 
prayers meet. What a favor to enjoy health, safety, and 
comfort, in all my wanderings; — and to be permitted to see 
the cause of God flourishing in a foreign land, or rather, in 
so distant a part of our own!" 

''My wish is, that my loved and honored wife may receive 
this on our wedding-day. If posts occasion a failure, let the 
will be accepted for the deed. My desire is to express to 
you on that day, (an anniversary most dear to my heart) 
some little portion of that love and honor which I bear to- 
wards you; and to assure you, that a distance of four hun- 
dred miles, and a most active and unceasing train of business, 
impair not, but rather enhances, the feelings of my heart to- 
wards you and our dear children. Scenes, indeed, of a nat-"^ 
ural, moral, and spiritual character are passing here before 
me in striking succession, far beyond what I can express; 
but I trust they are ripening for domestic good; and I never 
felt more than now that great benefits to myself and to others 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 215 

are originating in my missionary excursions. God only knows 
what I have felt on my reception in Scotland, as connected 
with my tracts and sermons. I am surprised, gratified, and 
humbled. 

"A leading feature in my late transactions has been de- 
rived from visits to Sunday and other schools, where, after 
hearing the children examined, I have addressed them. In 
every instance they have made juvenile collections for the 
Jewish children. On Sunday last I visited a school of two 
hundred children. It was the half yearly day for distributing 
reward books. The sixty most deserving scholars were to 
receive 'the Young Cottager' as their reward. Three of 
them had already been blessed, some time ago, in hearing it 
read at school. I was requested to present each child with 
a tract, as they were successively brought up to me, in pres- 
ence of about two hundred grown-up persons of all ranks. 
It was a most solemn and affecting scene. The gentleman 
who manages the school offered up a most affecting thanks- 
giving for the good which had attended the distribution of my 
tracts throughout Scotland, and in his school in particular, 
and for the opportunity now afforded of introducing me per- 
sonally to so many children, ^who had long loved me with all 
their hearts.' Immediately all the company and all the chil- 
dren sang a thanksgiving hymn. Then followed what affected 
me greatly. The children were drawn up in a triple semi- 
circle, in the centre of which I stood. Each successful can- 
didate successively stepped forward and received from my 
hand a 'Young Cottager,' and from my lips a short exhorta- 
tion and blessing. Not an eye was dry, and my own with 
difficulty allowed me to go through the simple and interesting 
ceremony. One girl, who was two years since converted by 
God's blessing on the tract, as she approached me, was so 
affected, that she dropped on her knees and burst into tears. 
"At another female school which I visited, there was a 
class of thirty dear little girls, all of five and six years old, 
who underwent the most interesting examination I ever wit- 
nessed. A monitor of eight years examined, and all the 
thirty little lambs replied at once in simple orderly expres- 
sions, as if but one had spoken; and thus also they repeated 
hymns, and at last united in singing one. They then grouped 
around the chair where I stood, and where I addressed about 
one hundred and eighty of all ages. The affectionate fare- 
wells which I have received from numerous classes of friends, 
accompanied by the most earnest entreaties that I will repeat 



21G MEMOIRS OF the: 

my visits among them, affect me beyond any thing I have erer 
witnessed/' 

"My dear Boy, — Were I to attempt to describe the beau- 
ties of the Highlands of Scotland to you, I should be much at 
a loss. Whether my subject were the grand mountains, with 
snow still on their tops; or the magnificent water-falls, amidst 
rocks, and glens, and woods; or the noble rivers and roman- 
tic brooks, winding through fruitful plains or hills; or the fine 
lakes, expanding their bosoms to the clouds, which they re- 
flect from their surfaces; — whether I were to write from the 
splendid mansion and grounds of a Highland chief; or the 
lowly, smoke-dried cottage of a Highland peasant; — whether 
the ruined castle or abbey, or the neat modern parish church 
were the subject of my description, I could say much, yet not 
enough. Here I am, amidst the unexampled and wild beau- 
ties of the Trosacks, on the banks of Loch Katrine! There 
is the glen down which Fitz-James hun'ied from the moun- 
tains, when he lost his way: there is the island of the Lady 
of the Lake, from whence she put forth her little skiff, at the 
sound of the echoing horn. TJiere is the great mountain of 
Benvenu, springing up from the lake to the clouds: there is 
his brother Benan, with Benean, and Benhaum, and Benledi, 
and Benvoirlich, and Beneen, and many more lofty beins 
(mountains. ^ surrounding this most lovely lake. Here is the 
Goblin's Hole; and ihere the spot where the last of the 
couriers of Roderic Dhu was slain. In all the scene sublim- 
ity reigns; and above all, God reigns in it also." 

^'^Ij dear F , I was unspeakably gratified at New- 
castle, in seeing two little girls, one of ten, the other of twelve, 
the spiritual fruits of my 'Young Cottager;' the latter of the 
two I had not seen before. I never before, except in the case 
of 'little Jane' herself, saw so clear and so early an instance 
of decided grace, and of a truly enlightened mind: you would 
have thought her conversation equal to eighteen at least. I 
apprehend that I have become acquainted with above thirtj 
cases of decided usefulness in youth, from that tract, since I 
came into the North. Oh! what a mercy! In this, 'goodness 
indeed follows me.' 

"My visit to Scotland has been marked by more affection 
and usefulness than any one I ever made: numerous public and 
private occurrences overwhelm me with gratitude. The Scot- 
tish scenery is of the very first class. Whatever is beautiful, 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 217 

whatever is grand, whatever is wild and romantic, — all are to 
be found in almost unlimited variety of display. Noble rivers, 
lakes and waterfalls, picturesque hills and mountains, lovely 
land and sea views, fine towns and buildings, — all speaking 
the goodness, power, and wisdom of God! The marks of 
affection, regard, and esteem, with which I was received, far 
exceed what I have ever witnessed; and I have reason to be- 
lieve much actual good has been done to many individuals, 
while I was there." 

The following letters express his sentiments on the subject 
of Oratorios, on which he seems to have held a most decided 
opinion. No man was ever more truly fond of music than 
himself, and especially in its application to devotional pur- 
poses. Such is the professed object of Oratorios; and the 
sublime compositions of those great masters in this science, 
Handel and Haydn, certainly carry its powers to almost the 
highest degree of perfection. The principle then, itself, in its 
pure and legitimate application, must ever be considered as 
subservient to the interests of piety. It is, therefore, the 
abuse of this principle, and the mode in which Oratorios are 
generally conducted, that excited the apprehensions of Mr. 
Richmond, as to their possible influence on his own children. 
The worldly associations connected with what is otherwise a 
source of high gratification to a scientific and devotional mind, 
constituted, in his estimation, an insuperable objection to these 
festivals. As a difference of opinion is known to exist in the 
religious world on this subject, we feel happy in exhibiting Mr. 
Richmond's sentiments, in the following letter to his wife. 

Edinburgh, Aug. 25, 1818. 
"My very dear Mary, — The approaching grand musical fes- 
tival, to be held at Edinburgh, about the same week with that at 
Northampton, occasions almost daily discussion in every party 
where we are visiting; and there is but one feeling amongst 
all our Christian friends' — that no serious and consistent 
Christian will go. Mary,"^ of course, hears nothing from 
either her father's lips, or from those of all his estimable 
friends on this side of the Tweed, but determined objections 
to the whole plan, its accompaniments, its gaiety, its dissipa- 
tion, its ensnaring character, and its inconsistency with every 
principle of nonconformity to the world. Neither she nor I 

* His eldest daughter, who accompanied him during this tour to Scotland. 
*I9 



218 MEMOIRS OF THE 

could appear again in Scotland, in a religious and much less in 
a missionarj character, if we were to be present at these 
amusements. How, then, can I do otherwise, which from T(\f 
heart I sincerely, seriously, and deliberately must, than con- 
demn the same thing, as it concerns dear F . 

^^I have never had but one opinion on the subject of these 
prostitutions of religion and music, at these theatrical, and, as 
I think, unwarrantable medleys. I wish you had the good 
sentiments of dear John Newton, on the public Oratorio of the 
^Messiah,' at hand. I deeply lament that any, who, in other 
respects, so justly deserve the name of consistent Christians, 
should so little fathom the corruptions of their own hearts, 
and be so insensible to the dangerous tendency of public 
amusements which unite all the levity of the world with the 
professed sanctity of religious performances. Think not that 
I blame any one but myself, for not long since making my 
sentiments on this ensnaring subject better known to those so 
near and dear to me. It is somewhat singular, that I should, 
with many Christian friends of all ranks in Edinburgh and 
Scotland, be making a firm stand against the principle and 
the practice of a musical festival held here, at the very time 
that I must also make as firm a stand against the same thing 
in the South. It is contrary to every feeling I can en- 
tertain on the subject. We have foresworn all these things on 
principle; and what is religious character and credit worth, if 
consistency is to be sacrificed? Numerous as my faults and 
errors may be, I hope to be preserved from ever deliberately 
consenting that my children, of whatever age, should enter 
into societies, intimacies, or amusements, which I deem for- 
bidden, so as to wound my conscience. 

^'I write with the most affectionate feelings of a husband, 
a father, and a Christian; and at this distance, we must not 
encounter the chance of reciprocal uneasiness, from any du- 
bious discussion. I will only add, that I have not the least 
objection to dear Mrs. M. knowing my whole mind on the 
subject, which is, and has been for many years, perfectly de- 
cided. God will ever bless those who sacrifice worldly inter- 
est to pure conscientious motives: I have no fears on that 
head. 

"Our journey is very active, and full of mercies. I con- 
clude that Mary tells you of the beauties and kindness of Scotia. 
She is here forming truly Christian acquaintances and friend- 
ships. I pray for, and think of you much. God bless you! 



HEV. LEGH RICHMOND. 219 

Ta^J^; this as the hearty prayer and desire of your afFec- 
tiqnjite L. Richmond." 

The same subject is thus resumed, in a letter addressed to 
an active friend of the Tract Society: — 

^'I can truly, deliberately, and conscientiously add to the 
"testimony of my friend Pellatt, that I do consider the ordinary 
musical festivals, conducted as they are, amid a strange med- 
ley of wanton confusion and most impure mixtures, as highly 
delusive, fascinating, and dangerous to youth. I consider the 
Oratorio performances in churches, as a solemn mockery of 
God, and forbidden by the clear principles of the Gospel. 
The making the most sacred and solemn subjects which heav- 
en ever revealed to man, even to the Passion of Christ him- 
self on the cross, a matter for the gay, critical, undevout rec- 
reation of individuals, who avowedly assemble for any purpose 
but that of worship; and who, if they did, could hardly pretend 
that it were very practicable in such company, and on such an 
occasion, I do from my heart believe to be highly offensive to 
God. Play-house actors and singers (frequently persons of 
exceptionable character,) are hired, supported, applauded, 
and almost idolized, in these exhibitions, and encouraged to 
persevere in their immoral and dangerous profession. Vice 
rides triumphantly in such proceedings. I am happy to say, 
that in case of the festival at Edinburgh, none of the serious 
people, either ministers or laymen, have countenanced it with 
their presence; excepting two clergymen, one of whom left the 
Oratorio in the midst of the performance, shocked and con- 
founded at the abuse of holy things, and ashamed of being 
found there; the other is deemed by all his brethren to have 
acted very wrongly, and to have countenanced much evil. 
The spirit of the world, the pride of life, the lust of the eye, all 
enter into these public gaieties; and their false pretensions to 
partial sacredness, only render them more objectionable. If 
young people do not learn this lesson early, they will greatly 
suffer in all hope of their spirituality. The less they may 
now, in the infancy of their Christian state, see and feel this, 
the more dangerous it is to yield to their ignorance and inex- 
perience. What is morally and religiously wrong, can never 
become right through the error of youth. And it would be a 
strange departure from every moral and religious principle, to 
say — ^I know an act to be wrong in itself, but my child has 
not grace enough to see it as I do; therefore^ I may lawfully 



220 MEMOIRS OF THE 

permit him to do what I know to be wrong. Would not this 
open a door to every species of sin and error? 

"As to examples of good people: — Sin does not cease^in 
be sin, because some good people unhappily fall into the sna^^ 
which the great enemy of souls spreads for their delusion. It 
is, and it shall be for a lamentation, that good men err so 
deplorably, and thereby countenance what, eventually, their 
principles condemn, and what they may some day have deep 
cause to regret. 

"No man in England loves music, — sacred music, — better 
than I do; therefore my sacrifice to principle and conscience 
is far greater than that of many others. I ought to have the 
greater credit for my self-denial; but I dare not countenance 
sin and danger, because it is clothed in the bewitching garb of 
good music and pretended sanctity. ^Let not my soul come 
into their assembly!' Tender and affectionate husband and 
father, as I hope I am, however I may sometimes be misap- 
prehended, and consequently sorry to interfere with the com- 
fort of those most near and dear to me; yet I rejoice from my 
heart, in having prevented the sanctioning any part of so pro- 
miscuous and unjustifiable a medley, by the attendance of any 
of the members of my dear family; and they will one day 
thank me. When the object is avowedly an act of worship, 
all is right, let who will sing and play; but when it is avowedly 
an act of amusement, religion, rightly felt and understood, for- 
bids the profane performance of singing-men and singing- 
women, trifling with the things that belongs to our everlasting 
peace, and turning them into mockery." 

Leaving these remarks to the judgment and conscience of 
the reader, we now return to the course of our narrative. 

Allusions have been made, in a preceding part of this Me- 
moir, to Mr. Richmond's mother. Her maternal care in the 
days of his childhood, her early endeavors to instil into his 
mind the principles of religion, and the interest she manifested 
in some of the subsequent events of his history, have been inci- 
dentally mentioned. She died in the beginning of the year 
1819. But before we enter upon the account of her decease, 
we shall introduce a brief memoir, from the pen of Mr. Rich- 
mond, in which the history of his family is so interwoven with 
his own earlier years, as to form a kind of episode, which we 
have no doubt will interest the reader by the simple and affect- 
ing character of its details. It is addressed to his children, 
as a memorial of the virtues of his mother; while his execution 
of it is no less the memorial of his own. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 221 



This little piece will appropriately form, by itself, the sub- 
ject of our next chapter. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

A Tribute of affectionate veneration for the memory of a deceased Mother;-*in a 
'series of Letters to his Children. By the Kev. Legh Richmond.' 

LETTER I. ^ 

^' My beloved Children, — The affecting summons which I 
so lately and unexpectedly received, to pay the last act of 
duty and love to the remains of my invaluable and revered 
parent, has impressed my mind with a strong desire to leave 
some memorial of her character, for your sakes, and for your 
instruction. 

'^I am just returned from the grave of one whom a thou- 
sand tender recollections endeared to every faculty of my soul: 
and I wish to preserve something of that solemnity of feeling, 
and gratitude of heart, which such a scene was calculated to 
inspire. How can I better do this, than by endeavoring to 
convey those emotions to j/owr bosoms, through the medium 
of an epistolary communication, devoted to an affectionate 
retrospect of the character and disposition of the deceased? 
I feel myself, as it were, a debtor to two generations, be- 
tween whom I now stand, as the willing, though feeble and un- 
worthy agent, by whom benefits and consolations, derived from 
the one, may be transferred for the lasting advantage of the 
other. The solid character of her religious principles, the su- 
periority of her mental attainments, and the singularly amiable 
deportment by which she was distinguished, constitute power- 
ful claims to your regard. If any additional plea were need- 
ed, I would derive it from the deep and affectionate interest 
which she took in whatever concerned your welfare, both spirit- 
ual and temporal; from the prayers which she daily offered up 
to the throne of mercy, for your happiness; and from the un- 
ceasing watchfulness and anxiety which she manifested for 
your progress in every good word and work. 

'*^ Although she was far separated from you, by the distance 
of her residence from our own, and the opportunities of per- 
sonal intercourse were thereby greatly restricted; yet her most 
tender and sacred affections were ever near to me and mine. 
We occupied her daily thoughts and her nightly meditations; 



222 MEMOIRS OF THE 

and now that she is gone to rest, and her heart can no longer 
beat with mortal anxieties it is highly becoming that we who 
loved her, and whom she so ardently loved, should give a con- 
sistency to our affection for such a parent, by a grateful in- 
quiry into those qualities of head and heart with which God so 
eminently blessed her. 

"There is a solitary tree, underneath which, by her own 
desire, she lies buried, in Lancaster church-yard. I feel a 
wish, if I may be allowed for a moment to employ the image- 
ry, to pluck a branch from this tree that waves over her 
tomb; to transplant it into my own domestic garden, and 
there behold it flourish, and bring forth ^fruit unto holiness.' I 
would gladly encourage a hope that this wish may be realized 
in you, my children, and that such intercourse with the dead 
may indeed prove a blessing to the living. 

"But this can be expected only in dependence on the free 
and undeserved mercy of that God and Saviour, in whom your 
venerable grandmother trusted; and 'whom to know is life 
eternal.' Whatever, therefore, of domestic narrative; what- 
ever of earnest, exhortation to yourselves; or whatever of re- 
mark upon the interesting qualities of the subject of this me- 
moir may intermingle with my present address, — keep invari- 
ably in mind, that my great object, as it concerns her, and 
you, and myself, is to give glory to God alone; and in the 
deepest humiliation of heart, to look up to Him as the sole foun- 
tain of excellence. 

"In addressing you on such a subject, my children, it is 
natural that I should reflect on the varieties of age and cir- 
cumstance in which you are placed. Even in point of your 
numbeVy I can hardly pronounce it without some degree of fear 
and trembling. Te?! immortal souls! — souls allied to my own, 
by ties inexpressibly tender, and inviolably dear; — souls com- 
mitted to my charge, not only as a minister, but also as a pa* 
rent, 'Who is sufficient for these things?' has been the secret 
cry of many a minister and many a parent. In each of these 
relations, I wish to apply that divine promise to my heart, 
'our sufficiency is of God.' I have long cherished a hope, 
founded on another gracious intimation of His will to those 
who love and fear him, — 'The promise is unto you and to your 
children, and to all that are afar off*, even as many as the 
Lord our God shall call.' Supported by these consolations, 
it has been my aim to bring you up in the nurture and admo- 
nition of the Lord, and to train up my children in the right 
way; trusting, that if they live to be old, they will not depart 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 223 

from it. Yet sometimes the anxious fear, connected with a 
survey of the world in which you are placed, — its vanities and 
its vices, — its delusions and its dangers, will force itself on my 
thoughts. I have lived to see, in other families, some of their 
buds of promise blighted, through the baneful and infectious 
influence of corrupt associations. I have seen what havoc 
the pomps and vanities of this wicked world, thje sinful lusts 
of the flesh, and the wiles of the devil, have made in many a 
household. I have witnessed the sorrows, and mingled mine 
with the tears of my friends, when they have spoken of the 
wanderings and misconduct of some of their children: and 
then, I have occasionally trembled for my own little flock. 
But I feel it, at the same time, to be both my privilege and 
my duty to use this very solicitude for a higher and nobler 
purpose than despondency and unbelief would suggest. These 
anxious affections are planted in the parental heart, and mani- 
festly ordained of God, as incentives to caution and stimulants 
to prayer. As such, I would employ them for your sakes; I 
would thereby the more assiduously teach you to ^abhor that 
which is evil, and cleave to that which is good:' and above all, 
I would with the more earnestness and dependence on the 
covenant grace of God, present your mortal and immortal in- 
terests, in supplication to Him who hath said, Hhe promise 
is unto you and your children, and to all that are afar off*, as 
many as the Lord shall call.' 

"And surely, I may be allowed to urge an excuse for dwell- 
ing upon this text, even in a way of literal application. For 
you, my first-born child, are indeed ^afar off*;' and these pages 
may much more easily reach you, amongst your uncertain jour- 
neyings on the shores or the waves of India, than they can 
ever convey an adequate idea of the exercises of varied aff*ec- 
tion, which your eventful history has occasioned us. 

"Next to your immediate parents, no one felt so deeply on 
your account as my deceased mother. Her prayers and good 
wishes were mingled with our own, when we first committed 
you to the vicissitudes of the ocean, and the mariner's lot; — 
and the above-named promise was her support, as well as 
ours. 

"As I stood on the shores of the Isle of Wight in the sum- 
mer of 1814, and watched the departure of the ship which 
contained my child, with a father's eye and a father's heart, 
I mused over the past, the present, and the future, until the 
shadows of the night interrupted my view. One moment sug- 
gested, ^my poor child will soon be afar ojf;^ the next, as it 



224 MEMOIRS OF THE 

were, replied, but ^the promise is unto you and to your chil- 
dren, and to as many as are afar off."^ The thought consoled 
me as I returned homeward, and I prayed for my little ones, 
that God would ^speak peace to you which were afar off, and 
to them that were nigh.' 

'^And then, again, my son, when during the following year 
we received the dismal tidings of the wreck of your ship, and 
the destruction of nearly all her crew, on the coast of Africa,"* 
as she returned on her voyage from Ceylon, when among the 
six persons whom alone, out of 360, Providence saved from 
death, we found not your name, we seemed, in this valley of 
the shadow of death, more than ever to need the rod and the 
staff of the great Shepherd to comfort us. At that trying 
period the same promise came to our aid, and we felt its con- 
soling influence; while, like Aaron, when his sons were dead, 
we held our peace. And when afterwards it pleased God, in 
the mystery of his mercies, to discover to us our mistake, and 
to prove to us that you had no part in the horrors of this 
watery grave, it did indeed seem once more fulfilled, — 'this 
my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' 

^'During these transitions of feeling, I cannot express how 
much the truly scriptural communication of sentiments and 
counsel, which we received from my now deceased parent, con- 
tributed to the encouragement of faith, and patience, and' 
gratitude. From that period till her death, the welfare of my 
child 'afar off' continued to lay very near to her heart. 'What 
news from India .'" was her frequent inquiry, and always ac- 
companied by the interesting tear of maternal solicitude. To 
you, therefore, as the eldest of my dear filial flock, I may, 
with due earnestness, first commend this 'tribute of affection- 
ate veneration for the memory of my deceased mother.' 

"She was a faithful mother to us all; and I wish her mem- 
ory to be enshrined in the grateful recollection of your heart. 
If these lines are ever permitted to meet your perusal, my 
son, cherish them for her sake and mine. 

"From India, I turn to my nine children at home; and 
greet you with a father's blessing, as I present you with 
these domestic meditations, which I write for the sake of 
those of you who have enjoyed the opportunity of occasional 
intercourse with the subject of the memoir, as well as of those 
whom circumstances never permitted to know her. I antici- 
pate the time when even my last born, the babe that cannot 

* Off Cape Lagullas. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 225 

yet lisp the honored name of ^grandmother,' shall not be ig- 
norant of her worth, but shall love to listen to the record of 
those gracious affections with which God was pleased to adorn 
her; and perhaps, on some future day, when visiting the grave 
where she is laid, may say, ^here lies one, whom from my 
cradle I was taught to love and honor.' 

''But, whilst I am enumerating 'the olive branches which 
surround my table,' and Hhe children whom God hath given 
me,' I suddenly feel as if I had erred in my calculations. Is 
there no link of connexion between the visible and invisible 
worlds? no right of appropriation by which an earthly par- 
ent may say, 'I have a child in heaven?' Yes; a sweet little 
cherub in the mansions above seems to my imagination to be 
the very link which faith and love would employ to animate 
all the energies of my best affections, when I look at my still 
living children, and contemplate their immortal condition. 

''One of you, my eleven children, is in glory, — a lamb, 
safely and eternally folded in the arms of his Redeemer. He 
is the first of my household that has gone to his rest. May 
he prove a pledge for many to follow him there, in God's 
own time. In the mean-time, cherish it in your frequent re- 
membrance, as an argument for heavenly-mindedness, that one 
of you is already in heaven. I may not, indeed, now address 
myself to him; but I may speak of him to you: I may re- 
mind you of his epitaph, and of the Paradise to which he be- 
longs. I may also thus preserve the sense of kindred alli- 
ance between the dead and the living of my family, and ar- 
dently pray for the perfect and eternal re-union of them all, 
through grace, in 'the house not made with hands, eternal in 
the heavens.' Such likewise were the supplications of her 
who through faith and patience is gone to inherit the promises, 
and to join our own little infant in singing hallelujahs 'to Him 
that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.' 

"In the cherished anticipation of such results, from the 
free and undeserved mercies of redemption, I will conclude 
the present letter, by subscribing myself your affectionate 
father, Legh Richmond." 



LETTER II. 

"My dear Children, — In this endeavor to delineate a short 
sketch of the life of your deceased grandmother, it seems nec- 
essary that I should give you some little information respect- 
20 



22G MEMOIRS OF THE 

ing her parentage and ancestry. There is a kind of pleasing 
melancholy in recurring to times now long past^ and to former 
generations, endeared to recollection by kindred ties, to which 
I cannot feel wholly insensible. A number of letters, papers^ 
and documents, connected with the early circumstances of 
my dear mother's life, and of her more immediate rela- 
tives and ancestors, lie before me. While I peruse them^ I 
seem to be translated to a former age; and to realize once 
more scenes and associations which can only thus be revived. 
They bring to my recollection the friends of my own infancy 
long since dead, and the various domestic relations and events 
of which they loved to speak. I would not set a higher value 
on such things than they deserve; nor would I put the mortal 
genealogies of earth in even a momentary competition with 
the alliance of Hhe family of heaven.' Yet, in tracing the per- 
sonal history of those whom God is pleased to honor with spir- 
itual blessings, an interest may lawfully be excited by a variety 
of minor circumstances, which are necessary to the connexion 
of the story; and may lead to profitable considerations, when 
viewed as the links of that chain in Providence, by which the 
Almighty Father upholds the destinies of his children, and 
confirms the counsels of his will respecting them. 

"My mother was born at Liverpool, in the year 1736. Her 
parents were descended from, and nearly related to, several 
ancient and respectable families in the counties of Lancaster 
and Chester. Her father, John Atherton, Esq., of Walton 
Hall, near Liverpool, was descended from a younger branch 
of the Athertons, of Atherton in the former county, who settled 
at Preston. Of his character, I have frequently heard my 
mother speak with affectionate veneration. More particularly, 
she used to give me an account of a behavior and conversation 
on his death-bed, which seemed to bear the characteristics of 
true Christian faith and hope. 'I am,' said he, ^an unworthy 
sinner, but I know in whom I have believed. I have nothing, 
nothing of my own; but Christ is every thing. My daughter, 
the comforts of dying rest not in the poor merits of man, but 
in the sure mercies of God.' 

"Such were a few of the expressions which frequently es- 
caped from his lips, till his eyes peacefully closed in death. 
Such traditional memorials should be valued amongst us that 
remain; and may, by God's blessing, prove incentives to follow 
those who through faith and patience are gone before to in- 
herit the promises. 

"Her mother was the daughter of Sylvester Richmond, 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 227 

Esq.,^ of Acton Grange in the county of Chester, by Frances 
Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Richard Brook, of Norton Priory, 
Baronet, who died in 1710. 

''Her mind, at a very early period, exhibited a strong incli- 
nation to the study of the best authors. She was well versed 
in the historians, essayists, and poets of her own country, and 
read the French language with fluency. Her memory, even 
at the advanced age of eighty-three, was well stored with 
the judiciously-selected reading of her younger years. She 
possessed a naturally strong judgment, and examined with 
accuracy the sentiments and the style of every book which she 
read. At a period when female education was, with but few 
exceptions, very feebly directed to the cultivation of general 
and useful literature; when the romance and the cookery book 
were too frequently esteemed to be the chief requisites of a 
lady's library — Miss Atherton was a constant student in al- 
most every branch of such learning, as, even in this more cul- 
tivated age, would be deemed advantageous and interesting to 
the female mind. In this she was encouraged by both her 
parents, who well understood and highly valued the proper 
cultivation of the understanding, through the medium of useful 
literature. 

''But with these attainments there was no display, no pe- 
dantry, no conceit. If ever there was a (^sposition marked 
by true feminine modesty and humility, it was her own. She 
thoroughly fulfilled the apostolic injunction, 'in honor preferring 
one another.' Others, indeed, knew her value; but she ever 
undervalued herself. Although domestic and retired in her 
habits, yet she mingled with and adorned a most respectable 
circle of relatives and friends, among whom she was justly 
esteemed as an approving and amiable companion. 

"From her childhood she entertained a deep reverence for 
the Holy Scriptures, and had a strong tincture of piety in her 
disposition. She read many valuable authors on religious 
subjects: and though not at all times equally favored with 
opportunities of Christian intercourse, which daily experience 
proves to be so requisite for decision of character, yet her 
heart was ever directed with firmness and affection towards 
serious subjects, which produced a conscientious integrity of 

* This Sylvester Richmond was the son of Dr. Sylvester Rirlnnond, who 
settled^ and practised very successtully as a physician, in the town of Liv- 
erpool; during- the reii^n of (/harles 11. His father w;\s Oliver Riclnnond, 
Esq. of Ashion Keynes, in the county of Wilts, on which estates his ances- 
tors had successively resided from the time of the Conquest. 



228 MEMOIRS OF THE 

mind, distinguishable in her whole deportment. In the latter 
period of her life, which I shall soon direct your chief attention, 
she has confessed to me that defective views of some primary 
points of Christian doctrine pervaded her former religious 
sentiments. She most sincerely relied on the atonement 
of Christ; but at that period had imperfect views of the 
fulness and sufficiency of his work. She had acquired very 
humbling views of herself as a sinner; yet these were not 
unmixed with error and indistinctness, with regard to the plan 
of divine acceptance. The commonly received divinity of that 
day, and the usual discourses of the pulpit, were lamentably 
defective in many grand essentials of Christian faith. The 
spiritual truths of the Gospel, and the fundamental principles 
of the Reformation, were generally veiled under a system of 
ethics, which however pure and correct, as a part of the great 
scheme of revelation; yet, when substituted for the whole, 
loses its own intrinsic value, while it robs the Redeemer of his 
honor and the sinner of his hope. 

^'Under external advantages of this nature, it is an inter- 
esting subject of investigation to trace the secret and gradual 
progress of the mind of a sincere and humble inquirer after 
truth, through the different stages of its advancement. 

^^There were two circumstances which greatly contributed 
to strengthen and direct her judgment and affections in re- 
ligious concerns. Her mother's own brother, the Rev. Legh 
Richmond, who was, first, vicar of Garstang, near Lancaster, 
and afterwards rector of Stockport, in Cheshire, was educated 
and prepared for the ministry by Dr. Thomas Wilson, bishop 
of Sodor and Man. The venerable and apostolical character 
of this insular prelate was by this connexion brought more 
immediately under Miss Atherton's notice. She also saw 
much of a similar disposition in the conduct and ministry of his 
pupil, her uncle. ^Bishop Wilson,' to use the language of his 
biographer, 'was a m.an of most exemplary piety, charity, and 
all Christian graces, who continued for the long course of 
fifty-seven years, to perform all the offices of a good bishop 
and a good man.' His writings, and particularly his manual 
of devotion, entitled 'Sacra Privata,' were much esteemed by 
and rendered very useful to her. These benefits were greatly 
increased by intercourse with her uncle, whose disposition, 
attainments, and conduct in the ministry not a little resembled 
those of his excellent tutor. 

"My dear mother always spoke with peculiar gratitude and 
veneration of the advanta2:es which she received from the in- 



EEV. LEGH RICHMOND. 229 

structions and conversations of this relative. Her subsequent 
marriage with his son, my late honored father, Henry Rich- 
mond, M. D., naturally conduced to increase those sentiments 
of respect and regard which she had previously entertained, 
and rendered every valuable feature in his domestic and 
ministerial character doubly dear. 

^^Another circumstance connected with the early period of 
her life, to which I have frequently heard her revert, and of 
which I find among her papers some valuable memorials, was 
her intimate acquaintance with a near relative, the late Henry 
Cornwall Legb, Esq., of High Legh, in the county of Ches- 
ter. This gentleman had formed a valuable intercourse with 
the late Lord Dartmouth and some of his friends, through 
whom he had been led into remarkably solid and serious 
views of the great importance of real religion. I have often 
heard my mother observe, that of all the acquaintances of her 
own age, during her earlier years, there was none with whom 
she found so much congeniality of mind, upon religious topics, 
as Mr. Legh. Frequent visits which she made to the family 
at High Legh, afforded opportunities of useful conversation 
with her relative. I am now in possession of two manuscripts 
on sacred subjects, given to my mother by Mr. Legh, to which 
she attached great value, and of which she spoke, to the end 
of her life, as a means of guiding her mind into clearer views 
of divine truth than any human composition which she had 
previously read. As I consider these papers to be estimable 
for their own sake, as well as that of my mother and her 
friend Mr, Legh, I will annex part of them to this memorial, 
and indulge a hope that her grandchildren may profit by the 
same channel of instruction which, at a former period, ^vas 
mstrumental to the spiritual attainments of the deceased. 

''I have hitherto been speaking of that portion of my dear 
parent's life which was prior to my own birth. I shall, in my 
next letter, write more immediately from my own recollection 
and experience. I wish you to profit by this simple domestic 
narrative. I feel that I owe it to God, to my children, and 
to my departed mother, that you should become better ac- 
quainted with her now that she is dead, than circumstances 
permitted while living." 

^ *?»• 'j^ 'Tr VV 



20^ 



^30 MEMOIRS OF THE 



LETTER III. 



'^In the year 1771, Miss Atherton was married to her 
cousin. Dr. Henry Richmond, the only son of Rev. Legh 
Richmond. His mother was the daughter of Henry Legh, 
Esq., of High Legh, in Cheshire, by Letitia, another daughter 
of Sir Richard Brook, Bart., of Norton. Dr. Richmond was 
educated at the grammar school in Macclesfield, under the 
care of the Rev. Mr. Atkinson. He was entered at Trinity 
College, Cambridge, in the year 1759, and was elected fellow 
of that society in 1766. He was originally intended for the 
sacred ministry, and his father had considerable hopes, at one 
period, of obtaining the rectory of Stockport for him; but in 
consequence of the failure of his expectations in that point, a 
change took place in regard to the profession which he adopt- 
ed, and he applied himself to the study of physic. 

^'Not long after the death of his father, which took place 
in 1769, Dr. Richmond settled as a physician in the town of 
Liverpool. At this period Miss Atherton resided with her 
mother^ now a widow, in St. Paul's Square, in the same 
town. A congeniality of principles and dispositions, founded 
upon many valuable qualifications of mind, which they each 
possessed; and an esteem strengthened by the kindred inti- 
macy of the families from their very infancy, led to that union 
w^hich took place in 1771. Her younger sister Elizabeth 
was^ nearly, at the same time, married to Michael Nugent, 

Esq., of in Ireland, a first-cousin to the Late Earl 

Nugent. Mrs. Atherton continued to live with Dr. and 
Mrs. Richmond till her death, which did not take place till 
about sixteen years after the marriage of her daughters. I 
am the more minute in relating these family occurrences to 
you, my children, because I am aware that it is the only 
channel through which you are likely to obtain them. The 
lapse of time, the distance and dispersion of some relatives, 
and the deaths of many others, gradually throw a veil over a 
variety of occurrences and connexions, the remembrance of 
which, to a certain extent, I wish you to preserve. 

^'We know not by what peculiar links in the chain of pro- 
vidence and grace, it may please God to promote our best and 
dearest interests; but, among others, I would cherish the 
hope, that the memorials of our ancestry, and more especially 
of such as, in their generation, loved and feared His holy 
name, may not be unavailing to their posterity. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 231 

"I will now endeavour to lay before you a short review of 
what 1 may call the second period of your grandmother's life. 
Her conduct during the single state, as a daughter, had been 
useful, affectionate, dutiful, and domestic. Such daughters, 
and such alone, are calculated to exhibit those still brighter 
characteristics which attach to the subsequent relations of the 
wife and the mother. Let my children ever remember, that 
m the ordinary course of the "progress of a Christian and 
domestic character^ the seed of hope is planted in childhoodj 
and the bud manifests its first beauty and fragrance in their 
earlier youth^ and thence issue that more expanded foliage^ 
tvhich constitides the ornamental fecdures of their more ad- 
vanced condition. There is a wise and beautiful order in the 
mode and manner of the dispensations of God's grace. 

''There is a progressive attainment of knowledge, and a 
growth of principle in the hearts of such as He is training up 
in the way they should go, which successively develope as the 
infant advances to childhood, the child to youth, and the youth 
to man. There is a preparation of heart which accompa- 
nies this progressive formation of character. The affections 
and principles of action which, under the divine blessing, have 
been fostered in the bosom of the child, to the furtherance of 

*- the parent's happiness, and the general welfare of the domes- 
tic circle, are precisely those which will hereafter constitute 

^ the solidity and the loveliness of the nuptial character. The 
difficulties and the trials of early life may have been fewer 
(mercifully perhaps, ordained to be so); but the heart that 
has been disciplined in the school of filial obedience and affec- 
tion is thus prepared for future usefulness, and for the trial of 
faith, love, and patience, in a subsequently acquired relation. 
''More particularly to speak of the female character: 
— subject to those exceptions which the unlimited grace of 
the Almighty is sometimes pleased to make in the dispositions 
of individuals at a more advanced period of life, — exceptions 
which in no respect form a rule for general conclusions; those 
who, in unaffected sobriety of manners and simple spirituality 
of heart, have aimed at fulfilling the domestic duties of the 
daughter y will ever constitute that truly honorable class of 
women whom Providence appoints to sustain the more arduous 
characters of the Christian wife and the Christian mother. 
In vain shall we look for characters of this description among 
the daughters of folly and fashion. Their hearts are estranged 
from the very principle of the domestic disposition. Accus- 
tomed to the repeated indulgence of luxurious inclinations, 



232 ME3I0IRS OF THE 

their volatile desires are ever upon the wing in search of 
something new and gay, that may satisfy a craving and 
disordered appetite for novelties. They are 'lovers of pleasure 
more than lovers of God.' But, says the same apostle, 'she 
that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.' Beware, my 
dear daughters, of such examples; dread their contagion, and, 
therefore, shun their society. Pray that you may ever be 
preserved from the ensnaring influence of those pomps and 
vanities of the world which you have solemnly renounced in 
your baptism. And let it be the comfort of my advancing 
years to see that your centre of attachment, as well as duty, 
is at home. 

''Numberless and invaluable are the ideas which connect 
with that one word, home. ]May you and I so cherish them 
by sacred principle on earth, that we may be found meet for 
a better home hereafter, even for 'the inheritance of the 
saints in light.' My dear mother had been educated in senti- 
ments truly domestic: her chosen associates were of a similar 
character, — her parents encouraged them for conscience', as 
well as for comfort's sake. Her time and attention had been 
from her youth upward, chiefly directed to the devotional study 
of religious truths, the culture of useful literature, the temperate 
pursuit of the elegant arts, the society of estimable friends, 
and the well-regulated plans of her parents' family. In the 
midst of all, she lived in constant habits of prayer; and this 
consolidated the valuable qualities of her mind, and gave them 
a holy tendency. 

"With dispositions and habits thus previously formed, Miss 
Atherton entered into the marriage state. The following 
year gave birth to the heart that ^dictates, and to the hand 
that guides my pen. 

"May I not be allowed to pause for a few moments over 
the solemn and affecting considerations hereby suggested. I 
have frequently meditated upon the subject of my birth, 
as connected with my death and resurrection. ' I have often 
contemplated the history of man, through its eventful course, 
from the cradle to the grave; and endeavored to make the 
practical application to myself. But I think I never felt its 
characteristic importance so powerfully, or at least so affect- 
^^sl^? ^s when I committed to the grave the friend, the nurse, 
the protector, the guide and guardian of my helpless infancy, 
— all summed up in the endeared name of mother. I seemed 
to recal the time, ^when as yet I hanged on my mother's 
breast;' and to revert to the tender anxieties with which she 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 233 

watched over her first-born child. And now a few short years 
are rolled away, and how great the change! The eye that 
saw, the ear that heard, the tongue that encouraged, and the 
arm that upheld the babe of her youth, are mouldering in the 
dust! She is departed hence, and is no more seen! It is my 
prayer, for myself and my loved children, that we may so 
learn 'to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto 
wisdom.' And if such meditations as these may, through 
grace, lead us to see more of the vanity of the earthly state, 
the value of time, and the rapid approach of eternity, our visit 
to the tomb will not have been unprofitable. 

''I well remember, in the early dawn of my expanding 
reason, with what care she labored to instil into my mind a 
sense of the being of God, and of the reverence which is due to 
him; of the character of a Saviour, and his infinite merits; of 
the duty of prayer, and the manner in which it ought to be 
offered up at the throne of grace. Her way of enforcing 
these subjects was like one who felt their importance, and 
wished her child to do so likewise. First instructed by her 
to read, I have not forgotten, in my Bible lessons, with what 
simplicity and propriety she used to explain and comment on 
the word of God, its precepts, and examples. These infantine 
catechetical exercises still vibrate in my recollections, and 
confirm to my own mind the great advantage attendant upon 
the earliest possible endeavors to ivin the atteniiGny and 
store the memory ivith religious knowledge. Her natural 
abilities, which were of a superior character, enabled her to 
converse with a very little child with much effect; and there 
was a tenderness of affection, united to a firmness of manner, 
which greatly promoted the best interests of a nursery educa- 
tion. 

^'My mother had six children, three of whom died in in- 
fancy. A very affecting circumstance accompanied the death 
of one of them, and was a severe trial to her maternal feelings. 
Her then youngest child, a sweet little boy, just two years 
old, was, through the carelessness of his nurse, precipitated 
from a bed-room window upon the pavement beneath. I was 
at that time six years of age, and happened to be walking on 
the very spot, when the distressing event occurred: I was, 
therefore, the first to take up, and deliver into our agonized 
mother's arms, the poor little suflerer. The head was frac- 
tured, and he only survived the fall about thirty hours. I 
still preserve a very distinct and lively remembrance of the 
struggle between the natural feelings of the mother, and the 



234 MEMOIRS OF THE 

spiritual resignation of the Christian. She passed the sad 
interval of suspense in almost continual prayer, and found 
God a present help in time of trouble. Frequently, during 
that day, did she retire with me; and, as I knelt beside her, 
she uttered the feelings and desires of her heart to God. I 
remember her saying, ^If I cease praying for five minutes, I 
am ready to sink under this unlooked-for distress; but when I 
pray, God comforts and upholds me: his will, not mine, be 
done.' Once she said, 'Help me to pray, my child: Christ 
suffers little children to come to him, and forbids them not, 
— say something.' 'What shall I say, mamma? — shall I 
fetch a book?' 'Not now,' she replied: 'speak from your 
heart; and ask God that we may be reconciled to his will, 
and bear this trial with patience.' 

"The day after the infant's death, she took me to the bed 
on which my little brother lay; and kneeling down, she wept 
for a few minutes in silence; and then taking his cold hand 
in one of her's, and mine in the other, she said — 'Lord, if it 
had not been thy good pleasure, it had not been thus. Thy 
will be done! I needed this heavy trial, to shew me more of 
myself, and to wean me from the world. Forgive my sins, O 
God! and let me not murmur.' Then looking at the cherub 
countenance of her babe, she added — 'Thou art not lost, but 
gone before!' She then put his hand into mine, and said — 
'If you live, my child, never forget this; and may I one day 
meet you both in heaven!' 

"I have dwelt upon this part of my dear parent's history 
with the more minuteness, because she has frequently told me, 
that it was not only the greatest shock which her feelings were 
ever called upon to sustain; but that she was persuaded it was 
overruled by God for the most salutary purpose, as it concern- 
ed the spiritual discipline of her own heart. To the end of 
her life, she wore a little locket attached to her watch: it 
contained a lock of her poor little Henry's hair; and she often 
looked at it, and spoke of it, as a remembrance of God's good- 
ness to her, at a most trying season. 

"These things occurred at Stockport, when we were on a 
visit to my father's mother and sisters, in the early part of 
the year 1778. The recollection of what I have related is 
still clear and impressive on my mind. 

"Not many weeks after the death of this child, my father 
proposed a tour into Yorkshire, Westmoreland, Cumberland, 
and Lancashire, with a view to the restoration of my mother's 
health and spirits^ whijh had materially suffered from her dis- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 235 

tress of mind. A journey through scenes of so much beauty 
as the mountains and lakes of that district afford, was render- 
ed peculiarly interesting by the state of mind in which it was 
undertaken. 

''My mother had a correct taste for landscape-scenery, and 
loved to trace the hand of the Creator in his works. She 
had also an acquaintance with the history, antiquity, and bi- 
ography of her country, which was much gratified by the ob- 
jects, both of art and nature, associated with them. Her 
memory was enriched with many of the best descriptive pas- 
sages in the works of the poets, and she was able to quote 
and apply them to the various objects which presented them- 
selves to her notice. My father's mind was perfectly congenial 
to hers in these thino:s. 

"Young as I was at the time, I feel a grateful satisfaction 
in retaining so much as I do of the scenes through which we 
passed, and of the remarks which they made, in conversation 
upon them. I need not tell you^ my children, how great a 
source of pleasure I myself have derived from the contempla- 
tion of the beauties of landscape, taken in connexion with its 
associated circumstances, and more especially in its relation 
to the hand that formed them. 

"To this journey in my childhood, accompanied as it was 
by the tender anxiety of my mother in particular, to direct my 
attention to every object worthy of notice, and the impressive 
manner in which her late severe trial led her to utter her sen- 
timents, I ascribe much of my own turn of mind, as associ- 
ated with the works of nature. Her little boy was permitted 
to ramble with her amongst the noble scenery of Skiddaw and 
Helvellyn; to sail on the smooth expanses of Derwentwater 
and Windermere; and to have his wondering eye directed by 
her to the cataracts of Barrow and Lowdore. He was al- 
lowed to visit, with her, the ministers of Ripon and York, the 
ruins of Fountain's Abbey, the splendid castle of Raby, and 
the romantic course of the Tees. Amidst the whole, she did 
not forget to teach him the importance of treasuring up use- 
ful information, cultivating a taste for the wonders of nature 
and art, and of learning how much it is the Christian's duty, 

'To look ihroug^h nature^ up to nature's God.' 

And now, when no longer himself a little boy, but a father, 
writing to his own little boys, he feels a kindred pleasure in 
endeavoring to excite in them a love for these early enjoyments 
of his own childhood, through which he was so affectionately 
led by the hand and the heart of his mother. 



236 MEMOIRS OF THE 

'^In the year 1782, my father quitted his residence at Liv- 
erpool, and settled in the city of Bath, where he practised 
as a physician about twenty-four years. As it is my inten- 
tion to write to you principally upon what I have seen and 
known of my mother, during* the latter part of a life prolonged 
to nearly eighty-four years; and as, in so doing, I shall have 
occasion to make several references to the circumstances that 
preceded this period, I shall in a more cursory manner speak 
of the events of her domestic history. 

''Her mother, Mrs. Atherton, died at Bath, in the nine- 
tieth year of her age, in the year 1789. She was a woman 
of remarkable sweetness of disposition; and possessed many 
qualities of mind which greatly endeared her to a valuable cir- 
cle of acquaintance, even to that advanced period. Serious, 
sensible, and cheerful, her conversation was instructive and 
entertaining: full of anecdote and good sense, she was an in- 
teresting companion to the young, and even to children, as 
well as to their elders. She evidenced a very marked regard 
for religious principles, and services, and adorned them with a 
corresponding conduct. She bore her faculties very meekly, 
and enjoyed an almost uninterrupted state of good health, 
until, after a short, and not painful illness, she gently sunk into 
the grave; and, full of years and respect, 'slept with her 
fathers.' 

"In the whole of their deportment, and in the manag^ement 
of the family, my parents maintained great order and pro- 
priety, founded upon conscientious principles. They steadily 
resisted the torrent of folly, vice, and dissipation, for which 
the gay city of Bath is distinguished. While the giddy vota- 
ries of fashionable life incessantly whirled in the vortex of en- 
snaring pleasure, they cultivated, for themselves and their chil- 
dren, sentiments and habits of a domestic and rational char- 
acter. Regular and prudential in all their household arrange- 
ments, they maintained a valuable intercourse with many 
estimable friends; and set their children a uniform example 
of steady resistance to those temptations so injurious to ail, 
but especially to the rising generation. Their evenings were 
much spent at home, in family reading and improving conver- 
sation. By pursuing this cour se, they hoped to lay a founda- 
tion for future domestic usefulness, in their children's disposi- 
tions. I shall ever retain a grateful remembrance of the sober 
and temperate regulations which characterized my paternal 
roof. It was their desire to bring us up in the fear of God, 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 237 

and to teach us the important lesson of self-denial^ so essen- 
tial to the formation of Christian principle. 

"My dear mother felt much anxiety on my account, during 
the period of my residence in Trinity College, Cambridge, 
which commenced in 1789, and terminated in 1797. A tide 
of infidel and democratical principles burst upon this country 
at that period, in connexion with the French revolution. Many 
young men, and not a few at the Universities, were deeply 
infected with them: it was indeed a dark and dangerous epoch, 
and she dreaded the influence of evil communications. Her 
letters used to breathe the language of parental caution, and 
evidenced the correctness of her judgment. The following 
extract is from one bearing date 1790: — 

'I hope that my dear son does not, in the midst of his lit- 
erary studies, forget those that pertain to religion. I cannot 
help trembling for my country, in these days of infidel democ- 
racy. I fear too many young students at College treat the 
Scriptures with neglect, if not with contempt. Some such 
have lately passed the Christmas vacation at Bath, and have 
made a very unbecoming display of their sentiments, at the 
coffee-houses and public rooms. I sincerely hope that you 
will be preserved from this contagion. It has been my 
prayer to God, from your infancy, that you might live and die a 
true Christian. I am more anxious about this point than about 
your classical and mathematical attainments, important as 
they may be. I know you will bear with a mother's exhor- 
tations: they come from a heart which has long beat with 
anxiety for your welfare,' 8lc. &c, 

"In a subsequent letter of the same period, she writes — 

"Your sentiments in answer to your father's last, on the 
subject of religion, gave me no small satisfaction. Whoever 
deserts that firm foundation is exposed to every gale of pas- 
sion; and at best spends his life in a comfortless and agitated 
state: for doubt is misery to a thinking mind; and human 
reason, with all its self-sufficiency, is easily misled by incli- 
nation.' 

"It was a subject of peculiar satisfaction to my mother, 
that after four years' residence at college, during which period 
my father had left me to the free choice of the professions of 
the law or the church, I at length deliberately preferred the 
latter. Before that period it had been otherwise — both my 
father's mind and my own had leaned to the former: but 
wheij 1 assigned to him a variety of motives for entering into 
21 



238 MEMOIRS OF THE 

the ministry, which resulted from much consideration on my 
part, he cheerfully acquiesced in my decision. 

^'I then first discovered that it had been my mother"^ s secret 
wish and prayer^ from my births that I might become a minis^ 
terof God?sword; but she had never disclosed it to me, from 
a fear of creating an undue bias, in a matter v^^hich she con- 
sidered of so great importance. Her views of the ministerial 
profession were peculiarly serious, and she dreaded the idea 
of a rash intrusion into the sacred office. She had wished me 
to be guided by the unfettered disposition of my own mind, 
and hoped God would direct me in the right path. Her sen- 
timents may be gathered from the following extract of a let- 
ter, dated March, 1794:— 

^Your account of the motives which have determined you to 
enter into the church, as contained in your letter to your father, 
has given us both great satisfaction. Your determination on 
this point appears to me as an answer to the prayers which I 
have been offering up ever since you were born. The charac- 
ter of a good clergyman has ever stood foremost in my esti- 
mation; and on the other hand, that of a careless ^ idlcy and 
dissipated, and above all, an immo^ml one, has been my dread 
and abhorrence. The object of almost every other profession 
terminates with this world, and its concerns; but that of a 
clergyman looks to eternity. Here much depends upon the 
character and conduct of the minister of a parish. Your 
grandfather Richmond was an excellent pattern of what a 
pastor should be, and I sincerely wish you may tread in his steps. 
I am sorry to say that Bath has long been the annual resort of 
a class of young clergymen, whom I hope you will never imi- 
tate. The ball-room, the theatre, and the card-table, are 
not the appointed scenes of clerical occupation. / love the 
Church of England too well, not to feel hurt and ashamed 
when the levity and unsuitable conduct of any of her clergy 
give the world at large a just ground for censure. 

'My feelings respecting yourself and the sacred profession 
have been constantly associated with the principles of a little 
book, with which I wish you to become better acquainted. It 
is called 'A Mother's Legacy to an unborn Child.' It 
was written by Mrs. Joceline, who was aunt to my great- 
grandfather, Sir Richard Brook, of Norton. Her thoughts 
and wishes, relative to her child becoming a clergyman, are 
precisely my own. Her book is a very interesting and affect- 
ing composition, and has long been a favorite companion of 
mine. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 259 

'Your choice of your profession has eased my mind of a con- 
siderable burden; and the principles which you express give 
me hope, that if my life be spared, you will be a comfort to 
my old age. and also a blessing to many others. Pray to 
God for direction and counsel in all your ways; trust in the 
mercy of the Saviour; and pursue the path of duty, as the ap- 
pointed way to happiness.',, 

^'I was ordained a deacon in the month of June, 1797, by 
the Bishop of Winchester; in consequence of obtaining the 
curacy of Brading, in the Isle of Wight. On this occasion 
she wrote to me — 

'I passed the evening of the day on which my dear son was 
ordained (last Trinity Sunday,) in privacy and prayer. Next 
to the day that gave you birth, I consider it as the most im- 
portant of your life. You are now become a minister of the 
church. Yours is a weighty charge — may God give you grace 
to fulfil its duties aright. You are going to reside in a beau- 
tiful country, and I hope you will also find Hhe beauty of holi- 
ness' there. I always had a desire to see the Isle of Wight; 
and now I have the prospect of visiting the young pastor and 
his flock, as an additional inducement to go there. I shall 
conclude by observing, that as it may now seem too presuming 
in me to give lectures on theology to a reverend divine, I 
shall henceforth rather expect to receive them from you: but a 
mother's prayers may be as needful as ever, and her blessing 
no less acceptable than formerly. Take them both from your 
affectionate mother, C. R.' 

^^Such, my dear children, were the maternal auspices under 
which I entered on the work of the ministry. As to myself, 
I had much, very much yet to learn, and not a little to un- 
learn; but whatever lessons I had to acquire, or whatever 
mercies to experience, they are all rendered doubly valuable 
to ,me, as connected with the prayers and blessing of such a 
parent. 

'Teace and gratitude be to her memory, from the heart of 
your affectionate father." 

LETTER IV. 

'^My dear Children, — I had scarcely entered upon the 
work of the ministry, when a train of circumstances led me 
to a much deeper and more anxious investigation into the 
real nature of the religion of the Bible and of the Church of 



240 MEMOIRS OP THE 

England, than I had hitherto pursued. But as my present 
object is not to speak of myself, otherwise than as imme- 
diately and necessarily connected with my dear parent, I shall 
only observe, that my correspondence and intercourse with 
her, from that period, assumed a very serious and affection- 
ate character, upon all the great points of scriptural truth. 

^^My own mind has been thoroughly convinced, that it is 
very possible to enter into the sacred office of the ministry, 
with all the advantages of theological and literary attain- 
ments — with a mind not insensible to the moral and benev- 
olent duties of the clerical character — and with a general 
acquaintance with all the system of our ecclesiastical formu- 
laries, and still be a stranger to the essential and discrimi- 
nating principle, on which rest all the energies and all the 
efficacy of personal and social religion. I evidently perceived 
the application of this important remark to my own case, and 
was gradually led to the deliberate and conscientious adoption 
of what I then did believe, and now do believe to be the 
truth, the only genuine source of inward peace and vital ho- 
liness." 

[Here the manuscript ends.] 

We feel considerable regret at the abrupt conclusion of 
this manuscript, not only on account of the reader, but 
for the sake of Mr. Richmond's family to whom it would 
have served as a valuable and authentic memorial, endeared 
by its being the production of their father. It seems to have 
been commenced shortly after the death of his mother, which 
occurred in February, 1819; and it is probable, that his nu- 
merous engagements prevented him completing the interesting 
detail. We cannot forbear observing how important it is, that 
men, whose writings are likely to benefit others, should leave 

nothing of real moment unfinished that they should beware 

of trusting to a futurity which they may never realise.* 

* The writer remembers once paying- a visit to Dr. Watson, the well-known 
Bishop of Landaff, at his beautiful residence at the Lakes, and seeing him 
surrounded by several volumes which he was successively examining: on ask- 
ing his lordship what was the subject of his studies — he replied, ^Hhese, sir, 
are my own works. At my advanced age I must expect to be drawing near 
the grave, and I am preparing for the press a final edition of all that I have 
written, revised and corrected by my own hand, to prevent an editor mutilat- 
ing them after my death." His decease occurred about twelve months after- 
wards, which was the best proof of the prudence of the measure. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 241 

We can supply the deficiency in the above Memoir only by 
the insertion of the following papers. We are sorry that our 
materials are not more ample. 

The ,first is a prayer, found among his mother's papers, and 
which appears to have been composed by her at the time her 
son first went to college. 

"O Lord, the author and fountain of all good things! from 
thy bountiful mercy and goodness, we thine unworthy creatures 
receive all we possess and enjoy, valuable in this world, and 
also the assured hope and confidence of eternal happiness in 
the world to come. Look down, I most earnestly beseech 
thee, upon the hearty desires of thy humble servant. Bestow, 
O Lord, upon this child such a portion of thy heavenly grace 
as may support him in all the dangers, and carry him through 
all the temptations of this wicked and degenerate age. Let 
the enemy of our salvation have no advantage over hin; and 
let not the wicked one be able to approach to hurt him; visit 
him, O Lord, with thy salvation, and keep him in perpetual 
peace and safety. Let not the pernicious examples of any of 
his companions ever incline him to transgress thy laws in 
thought, word, or deed. May he abhor and detest every 
thing that has the appearance of immorality, and flee from sin 
as from a fiery serpent. Grant, O Lord, that after the 
pattern of his blessed Saviour, he may increase in wisdom and 
knowledge; may he grow in grace as well as years, and in 
favor with God and man. May he be dutiful and obedient to 
all those who have the rule and authority over him. May he 
cheerfully and readily obey their commands, and in every 
thing be directed and instructed by their guidance and coun- 
sels. May he behave with due judgment and propriety to all 
his equals; and to his inferiors may he always shew himself 
condescending and obliging. Endue him, O Lord, with such 
a share of natural faculties and abilities, that he may receive 
and retain the instructions and precepts of his tutors and 
teachers: but grant, O Lord, that human knowledge may not 
prejudice that which is divine; let him rather study thee and 
thy kingdom, than all things else. To know thee, O Lord, 
is to be truly wise, and to contemplate and meditate on thee 
and thy wonderful goodness to the children of men, is the 
highest learning. 

Finally, O Lord, if it be thy blessed will, grant him such a 

measure of thy wisdom from above, that, in the future course 

of his life, he may become a useful member of society; and 

having served Thee faithfully in this life, by doing good in his 

2i# 



242 MEMOIRS OF THE 

generation, mav he be made partaker of everlasting glory in 
tbj Son's kingdom in heaven, where there is fulness of joy, 
and at whose right hand there are pleasures for evermore. All 
this I most humbly and earnestly intreat, in and through the 
merits and mediation of thy Son our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
Christ, in whose name, and in whose words, thou hast prom- 
ised to be propitious to the petitions of those who approach 
thy throne with faith and sincerity. 

'^Our Father, which art in heaven^ Sec. 

Mr. Richmond's mother was sometimes exercised with 
fears respecting her right apprehension of divine truth. His 
correspondence was made highly useful in giving her more just, 
solid, and correct views on this subject. The following letter, 
written on one of these occasions^ exhibits a lucid statement 
of Christian doctrine. 

''My very dear Mother, I trust that the letter which you 
have written to me, will neither in length nor strength be one 
of only few such, which I may be happy enough to receive. 
No; write to me constantly, while hand and eye, and heart 
and head are thus mercifully spared for the instruction and 
gratification of your children. Write to me on what concerns 
the body, and also the soul. The latter especially claims our 
mutual contemplation. Ere long we shall both be in eternity: 
you, perhaps, a little sooner, and I in a short space to follow. 
Yet even this natural order of providence may be reversed, if 
God see good. At all events, what are the few short days 
and years of time compared with a 'for ever?' Cherish, my 
dear mother, clear, deep, solid, unfading views of the Saviour's 
work; a work so perfect, that the sinner can neither add to 
nor take away from it, — a work which ensures peace to the 
guilty — pare on to the offending — light to the blind — life to the 
dead! Bev are of dishonoring Christ by doubting of his power 
or willingness to save, because you feel yourself unworthy, sin- 
ful, and weak. Faith honors him by believing. 'What must 
I do to be saved?' cried the jailor; 'believe on the Lord Jesus 
Christ,' was Paul's reply. Salvationis wholly of faith from 
first to last. This is the grand discriminating principle be- 
tween true scriptural evangelical religion, and all mere imita- 
tions or assumptions of that title. Our paradox is, that 'weak- 
ness is strength.' The soul that by faith, through grace, is 
saved without works,^ obtains an inward principle of love, 

* By grace are ye saved, through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is 
the gift of God. Xot of icorks, lest any man should boast." Eph. ii, 8; 9. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 24S 

which must ivork^ cannot but ivorJc^ and actually does ivorh.^ 
The order is thus: First, God loved us; secondly, thence 
we obtain faith to trust him; thirdly, we are thus saved; 
fourthly, we therefore love him who first loved us; fifthly, this 
love produces good thoughts, words, and works, as the fruits^ 
not the rooty of our salvation. Thus is He the author and 
finisher of our faith, and the author of salvation to all them 
that obey him. He has promised to all, as well as to David, 
to perfect the thing which concerneth his people: whom he 
loveth, he loveth to the end; trust him, therefore, evermore. 
Such is the Christian's doctrinal, practical^ and experimental 
creed. 

'^I preached, on Sunday, a right loyal sermon for poor 
queen Charlotte, and traversed all the useful and exemplary 
features in her character. This day she is to be buried. 
Peace to her memory! Poor king George! In the midst of life ^ 
he is, as it were in death — in light, darkness — in riches, poor 
— in splendor, dulness — in society, solitary: — yet, happily, 
not dead — not dark— not poor — not dull — not solitary. Provi- 
dence hangs a veil of mystery over him, but grace illumines 
it, even while he can scarcely discern through it the fo7in of 
our revered monarch. He sees consolations and companions 
from on high. He has the peace which the world cannot give, 
nor sickness take away; therefore he is a happy man. Our 
journey was well bestowed on Fanny, and will, I hope, leave 
a lasting impression on her mind, of a useful sort. I do with 
you hope that my valuable acquaintance may be of future use 
to my children; the 'promise,' you know, 4s not only to us, 
but to them.' " 

The following letter, addressed by Mr. Richmond to his 
wife, enables us to supply some information relative to the last 
moments of his father; at the same time that it affords a fine 
illustration of the faith and resignation of his mother. The 
event here alluded to, occurred at Stockport, in Cheshire, in 
the year 1806. 

^'Dearest Mary, — I sent you a few hastily penned lines last 
night. As soon as I had finished them, I went to our medical 
friend, from whom 1 had a regular account of the melancholy 
event which has brought me here. I had previously written 

* See Homily ^^on the true, lively, and Christian faith.'' We also be^ to 
refer the reader to the remarks made on the whole of this doctrine in the 
review of Mr. Daubeny's work. 



244 MEMOIRS OF THE 

a note, that I might be shewn into a room with ray dear 
mother alone. I then went with Mary, and found my mother 
in a most interesting struggle between divine consolation and 
natural affection. My first words, after an interval of silence, 
were, ^are you supported my dear mother?' 'Beyond all hope 
and expectation,' was the reply. 'Do you feel the consola- 
tions of religion?' 'I am resigned to the stroke, though it 
rends my heart in two. I may weep; but I dare not, will not 
complain. I never deserved him; he was lent to me, and 
now God has taken him again. You are come to support a 
poor widowed mother's heart; and I know you will be, what 
your dear sister Fanny has already been, the prop and strength 
of my age and affliction.' I was astonished and melted at 
her fortitude and resignation. I find my dear father's mind, 
for three weeks past, was calm and tranquil, expressive of 
much faith, patience and hope. My mother was reading that 
exquisite commentary of Bishop Home, on the 23d Psalm. 
He observed, at the close of the fourth verse, 'that is heav- 
enly, and it is my comfort.' He then suddenly said, 'my head 
is giddy,' staggered to the sofa, and fell into my mother's arms; 
his eyes fixed, and a deadly paleness on his face. She con- 
trived to ring the bell, and instantly returned to him; he gasp- 
ed for breath, and groaned twice. The servant came in, and 
lifted up his legs; he gave one more slight struggle, and breath- 
ed out his soul in my mother's arms. She sat with him two 
hours in silent composure; unable to weep, but calm in grief. 
That night she could not sleep, but gained relief by much 
weeping. Fanny arrived on Sunday evening, and slept with 
our dear mother. After I had sat for half an hour yesterday 
evening, the rest came in, one by one, and we fell into a sol- 
emn but tranquil conversation. My very heart was ready to 
burst; but I concealed my feelings as much as possible. After 
a while, I went to see the body of my father. As we pro- 
ceeded up stairs, I found my legs tremble, and when I came 
to the room door, I staggered; but instantly oflering up a 
prayer for strength, felt relieved, and advanced. 

"Instead of seeing any thing to inspire terror, I beheld his 
well-known and honored countenance so calm, heavenly, mild, 
and unaltered, that it seemed only like a sweet sleep. I 
never felt more composed; and we sat three-quarters of an • 
hour, chiefly in silent contemplation. I could only now and 
then interrupt it by, 'Oh! how sweet a countenance! — there 
is nothing terrible in this! It is the emblem of peace and com- 
posure. Oh! my dear father! I could have wished to have 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 245 

closed your eyes! — but God's will be done!' With difficulty, 
I left the room. I went down to supper. Afterwards, I re- 
quested all the house to assemble, and read 1 Cor. xv.; and 
then offered up a solemn and appropriate prayer. Great feel- 
ing pervaded us all. 

''This morning, at nine o'clock, commenced the business of 
the funeral. My heart again failed me. I was excessively 
tried in the procession through the church-yard, and in the 
church. I was, however, inwardly strengthened, and shed the 
last tear over his remains. 

"On returning to the house, for a moment I fainted, but 
recovered. Indeed, my dear love, it has been a very trying 
scene to me. A thousand tender recollections of past days 
have successively crowded upon my mind; and every object 
here reminds me so much of a beloved and revered parent, 
that I cannot but feel deeply. 

"He seems to have had a presentiment of his approaching 
end, but rather concealed it from others. I never felt myself 
of such power to console as at this moment. My dear mother 
says, 'You are my oak, and I am a poor ivy, clinging around 
you: now you are my child indeed.' " 

The ensuing letter contains all the particulars with which 
we are furnished respecting the decease of this excellent 
woman, in January, 1819. It is addressed to one of his 
daughters. He had previously seen heron his return from 
Scotland, in the preceding autumn; and remarked that she 
looked more aged, though not complaining; but she expressed 
her apprehensions that they were meeting for the last time. 

"My dear F , — I am just returned, after executing 

the difficult and affecting task of preaching a funeral sermon 
for my most excellent and revered mother, at her parish church. 
I took my subject from Psalm cxv, 1, as best suited to her 
humble, meek, and believing frame of mind. It was indeed 
a trying effort; but God carried me through surprisingly. I 
introduced some very interesting papers, which I have found 
amongst her memoranda, in her own hand-writing. Her last 
message to me was — 'Tell my son, I am going direct to 
happiness.' 

"Never was there a more delightful and heavenly counte- 
nance than her's, as she lay in her coffin: it combined every 
sentiment which the most devout mind could desire: love — -joy 

— peace — gentleness goodness — faith — meekness — charity, 

all shone serenely bright. I followed her to her grave, in 



246 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Lancaster church-yard, where she lies under a sycamore tree, 
amid the magnificent landscape of sea, mountains, rivers, cas- 
tle, and church, around. You remember its high beauties. — 
But you very imperfectly know the high qualities of head 
and heart which your grandmamma possessed — I never met 
with her equal at the same age. I occupy her little room, 
adjoining her bed-room, by day; and it is a great consolation 
to me to sit in her arm-chair and think of her, and read her 
papers on various subjects. There you and I took leave of 
her, in November last — but, alas! her place knoweth her no 
more! I look out of the window, at the grand range of snow- 
capt mountains, which are now beautiful in the extreme. I 
had no conception of the winter beauties of these hills; — 
Lansdale Piles, Rydal Head, Hill Bell, Helvellyn, &c. &c. 
all finely illuminated with snow-sunshine, in diversified shades. 
And then I think of my dear mother, and how she enjoyed 
their characteristic grandeur. 

^'Letters pour in daily, from all parts of England, condol- 
ing with us in our great loss. My mother was loved and hon- 
ored most extensively. Dear woman! for forty-seven years 
I have proved thy affection, and can trace, from earliest in- 
fancy, the tokens of thy worth. May I follow thee in humility, 
faith, and love; and cherish thy memory with gratitude and 
honor!" 

The following lines were inscribed on the tombstone of the 
late Mrs. Richmond, which is inclosed w^ith iron railing, and 
placed under a sycamore tree in Lancaster church-yard, on 
the west side, erected by her three afflicted children, to her 
memory; — 

^'Sacred to the memory of Catharine, widow of Henry Richmond, M. D. 
(formerly of Liverpool, and late of Bath)^ and daughter of John Atherton, 
Esq. late of Walton Hall, in this county, who departed this life^ January 
the 30th; 1819; in the eighty-fourth year of her age.'' 

''The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of right- 
eousness.'*' 

c. R. 

SOLI DEO GLORIA. 

''What though Affliction here would heave a sigh, 
That one so loved and so revered should die — 
Calm Resignation clasps a Saviour's cross, 
And mourns, but does not murmur at the loss. 
"Twas there her meek and lowly soul was taught 
To seek the heavenly crown his blood had bought. 
'Twas thence, in mercy, beamed the welcome ray, 
Which cheered with hope the aged pilgrim's way. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 247 

This mouldering" dust shall here repose in peace, 
Till that great day^ when time itself shall cease. 
Her spirit is with Godj and this its plea — 
'My Saviour livM, my Saviour died for me!' '' 

•'^Not unto US; O Lord; not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy 
mercy and for thy truth's sake." 

The following obituary, relating to this event, was inserted 
in one of the periodicals' of the day: — 

'^On January 30th, 1819, died, at Leighton Hall, near 
Lancaster, aged 83, Catharine, widow of Dr. Henry Rich- 
mond, formerty of Liverpool, and late of Bath. Mrs. Rich- 
mond was, through life, distinguished by superior intellectual 
faculties, cultivated taste, and most amiable manners. These 
she retained to the last. But these qualities were only sub- 
servient to a solid and enlightened piety of heart, founded 
upon a cordial reception of the principles of the Gospel of 
Christ. The deep humility of her disposition, her meek and 
quiet spirit, and her devotional sense of a Saviour's mercies 
have seldom been exceeded. With her increasing age, God 
blessed her with increasing enjoyment of divine truths; and 
enabled her to meditate, converse, and correspond upon them 
with a vigor of mind, sobriety of judgment, and simplicity of 
affection, which proved the holy source from whence they pro- 
ceeded. 

'^Her son engaged in the affecting task of preaching her 
funeral sermon, in the parish church of Warton, on Sunday, 
Feb. 14, to a large congregation, from Psalm cxv. 1; a sub- 
ject selected as being peculiarly expressive of her own views 
and feelings when living. The mingled tears of relatives, 
friends, domestics, and neighbors, bore an interesting testi- 
mony to the love and veneration in which her memory is held." 

Thus had Mr. Richmond the delightful consolation of know- 
ing, that both his parents departed in the hope and peace 
of the Gospel. Happy is it when the bonds of nature 
are knit more closely by those of grace! — when the child and 
the parent are partakers of the same Christian hope, running 
the same race, and looking forward to the same eternal rest 
and glory! 

^'Oh! what is death? 'Tis life's last shore, ~- 
. Where vanities are vain no more! 

Where all pursuits their goal obtain, 
And life is all retouched again: 
Where, in their bright results^ shall rise 
Thoughts, virtues; friendships, griefs, and joys.'' 



248 MEMOIRS OF THE 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Letter; and verses— Extracts from Diary— Tours to Scotland— Ion a— Letters; friend- 
ly, family , and pastoral— Memoir of Miss Sinclair. 

Mr. Richmond, in his northern tours for the religious so- 
cieties, often visited Scotland. On one of these occasions, he 
left his eldest daughter under the hospitable roof of Dr. and 
Mrs. S , near Glasgow, with whom he had formed a par- 
ticular intimacy. But whether present or absent, Mr. Rich- 
mond discovered a uniform anxiety for his children. Their 
spiritual welfare lay near his heart. He often wrote to them, 
and never omitted to make some useful reference to the great 
concerns of eternity. 

The following letter, and copy of verses, addressed to his 
daughter, exhibit a model of parental care and affection: — 

''Dear Mary, 

''I wrote to you on my own birth-day, and now I do the 
same on yours. 'There is a time to be born, and a time to 
die.' So says Solomon; and it is the memento of a truly 
wise man. But I may add, there is an interval between 
these two timeSj of infinite importance. 

"Does my beloved child duly appreciate this? Not all 
the charms of nature, either Scottish or English, can for a 
moment compare with those of grace: and when can we bet- 
ter contemplate the real value of life, the vanity of the world, 
the worth of a soul, and the need of a Saviour, than when the 
lapse of time brings round the anniversary day of our birth? 
It seems to concentrate all the experience and feeling of past 
days, and to unite them with the anticipations of those which 
are yet to come : it speaks to youth and age alike, and sum- 
mons both to prayer and meditation. Soon will eternity over- 
whelm all the concerns of time, but will infallibly take its 
character /rojji them. I sincerely hope that you are syste- 
matically improving time, with a view to that eternity. Your 
opportunities have been many and valuable; your privileges 
great — may every ensuing day prove that they are not lost 
upon you. Religious parentage and social connexions 

alone cannot save: personal religion in the heart is every 

thing. Our dear friend Mrs. S :, appears to enjoy it in 

deed and in truth. Prize such a friend; not only because she 
is kind and agreeable, and worthy, but because she is a child 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 249 

of God, a member of Christ, and an inheritor of the kingdom 
of heaven; and as such^ may be the ordained instrument of 
God, for establishing the same principle in you. Think of us 
all, not for the mere love's sake of earthly kindred, but for 
the love of Jesus, as connected vrith the family of heaven. 
This alone gives to charity itself its value. 

^'Farewell, my dear child; and while you pray for yourself, 
forget not your affectionate father, Legh Richmond." 

ADDRESSED TO MISS RICHMOND, 

ACCOMPANIED BY A LOCKET OF DERBYSHIRE FLUOR SPAR, 
IN THE FORM OF A HEART. 

Here I offer my daug-hter a heart without sin, 
That knows nought of corruption and sorrow within! 
A heart which you see is so curiously wroug-ht, 
That it ne'er can offend — not so much as in thoug^ht! 

That its virtues are shining- within and without, 
Is a truth which admits of no rational doubt: 
Its character, Mary, is pure and sincerej 
And its inmost ideas transparent and clear. 

'Tis a heart that will bear the minutest inspection^ 
And never proves guilty of any deception: 
What it was, that it is — what it is, it will be — 
Unconscious of guile or to you or to me. 

It may seem to be strange — nay, it is so, I own — 
That this heart, though so pure, is as hard as a stonej 
It resists all impressions which tenderness makesj 
But if force be employed, it immediately breaks. 

And this heart if once broken, can never be healed, 
Nor the least of its wounds be a moment concealed: 
And though stony its texture, and hard be its nature, 
Like yourself; this poor heart is a delicate creature. 

Then make use of the emblem you wear at your breast: 
With '^the hearts that are pure,"* do you seek to be blest? 
Weep and mourn for a nature by sin so deranged, 
A nd pray for a heart that's essentially changed. 

May the '^stone'' in your heart, be removed far away, 
And the softened affections alone bear the swayl 
They will lead you to Jesus with penitent sighs, 
Till the sun of his righteousness sweetly arise. 

May graces resplendent as those of the stone, 

Both within and without, be for ever your own! 

Let your heart be transparent, wherever you are, 

And your conduct will shine far more clear than the spar. 

But should you offend, and for sin bo heart-broken, 
Behold on the cross there's Mercy's bright token! 

* Matt. v. 8. 
22 



250 MEMOIRS OF THE 

The heart that is contrite God will not despise, — 
The heart that is broken is dear in his eyes. 

Christ's love has no limit, then g-ive Him thy heart, — 

In the deed shall His spirit free comfort imparl: 

So the heart of the Saviour, allied close to thine, 

In a glorious unity ever will shine. L. R. 

We regret that the limits of this memoir will not allow us 
to lay before our readers copious extracts from Mr. Richmond's 
journals of his tours in Scotland. He adverts to them at all 
times with grateful recollection: they form an interesting 
part of his public life, and, indeed, led to an important event 
in his family. We insert the following extract. 

EXTRACTS FROM DIARY. 

'^Jiily 18. Went to Long-town, and entered Scotland by 
Gretna-Green — a disgrace to both countries. Proceeded to 
Dumfries. A superior place. Admired the town. Meditated 
as I walked along on Rom. vii. Search deep. ^Lord, what 
is man!' 

" — 19. Went with the Rev. Dr. D. to visit the church- 
Mausoleum of Robert Burns, the poet, which cost 15001. 
Extraordinary and ornamented collection of monuments in the 
church-yard. Held a meeting to aid the circulation of the 
Hebrew Testament for the Jews, at the new Church. Well 
attended; 12/. 12s. collected; and a foundation laid for a 
new society in behalf of the Jews. 

'^ — 20. Attended a Bible meeting. A very delightful 
day. Made some truly valuable acquaintances. Took leave 
of Dr. D. Manifold mercies. 

'^ — 21. Set out for Biggar. Held a meeting for Hebrew 
Testaments. Collected 12/. 7s. 6d. Felt much respect for 
the memory of the well known John Brown of Haddington, 
while I was in the house of his grandson, and amongst his 
great grandchildren. 

^f — 22. Breakfasted at Lanark. Went to see New 
Lanark, and the Clyde Falls: Mr. Owen accompanied us. 
Nothing could exceed the beauty of the scene. Saw the 
whole of the mills and machinery. Dined, and had much 
conversation with Mr. Owen on all his plans. They want a 
religious basis, 

" — 23. Sermon at church. Went at four to Mr. Owen's 
school-room, and addressed the whole institution, from Job 
xxii. 21. Fine sight. Collected 41. 3s. In the evening, 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 251 

held a meeting at Lanark church for Hebrew Testament. 
Two thousand people — grand spectacle. 

^^July 24. Breakfasted with Mr. Owen. Conversed again 
on his new plan. Went to the school: saw the children go 
through all their various classes. The dancing may be pretty 
for children, but unquestionably leads to much evil among the 
adults. Many things are very interesting here, but require 
close investigation. Visited the fall of the Clyde — very 
superb indeed. Read, as I travelled on, Mr. Owen's manu- 
script. Some clever ideas of economical arrangement; but 
it must fail, as it now stands. There is no Christ in his 
scheme J and it cannot prosper, 

" — 25. Glasgow. Preached in the Episcopal chapel 
in the evening, from Rom. xi. 17, 18. Fine congregation. 
Afterwards, attended a juvenile missionary meeting. 

"—26. Erskine. Dined with Dr. and Mrs. S. Most 
hospitably and kindly welcomed. A lovely retirement. 

" — 27. Paisley. Delivered an address for the Jews to a 
very numerous assembly. Collected 23/. Afterwards spent a 
very profitable evening. Much sensible and valuable conversa- 
tion. 

" — 29. Read an account of my proceedings at Dumfries 
in the Edinburgh Star. Lord, keep me humble, and shew me 
the real character of myself. ^Lord, what is man!' 

" — 30. Paisley. Preached in the morning, from Rom. x, 
11. Collected 10/. lis. 5d. Addressed in the evening 
3000 people, including 1500 children and young people. 
Wonderful crowd. Fine spectacle. Close and riveted 
attention. Returned home. I bless God for all his good- 
ness. 

'^ — 31. Glasgow. Met Dr. C. Interesting and most 
profitable conversation, on plans for parochial visitation, inter- 
course, and reform. Attended a meeting for the Jews. 
Noble assembly. Spoke for an hour. Collected 14/. Mr. 
David P. is to travel with me into the Western and Northern 
Islands. 

^^Aug, 1. Isle of Bute. Was much struck with the 
grandeur and beauty of the Firth of Clyde. Exquisite view 
of the mountains. Tints indescribable. Marquis of Bute's 
— basaltic character of the rock. Visited a highland cottage; 
children reading; mother and grandmother; spinner's wheel; 
smoky roof; Gaelic Testament. Religious conversation. In- 
telligence and seriousness. The cottage scene, and island 



252 MEMOIRS OF THE 

scenery around, and spiritual associations altogether, con- 
stituted a most interesting combination. 

''Aug. 2. Rothsay. Went to a Jews' meeting. Place over- 
llowing. Collected 17/. 17s. Had much interesting conversa- 
tion this day about Ossian, and received some strong proofs of 
its authenticity. 

'' — 3. In the course of the last three days, have seen some of 
the finest specimens of clouds rolling over hills in every shape 
and manner. Also grand combinations of sea, island, and 
mountain beauty. O, for a heart to feel and acknowledge 
God's protecting mercies! 

'' — 13. Aros. Prayed earnestly for all my family, and 
my parish." 

The beauty of the following passage entitles it to insertion. 

VIEW FROM FAIRLY. 

"I rose early in the morning to view the mountains of Arran. 
They were enveloped in clouds, and rendered invisible. Thus, 
it occurred to me, have my fair prospects in the landscape of 
life been often obscured, and the mists of sadness or uncer- 
tainty have shed a gloom over my spirits. I have said, Hvhy 
art thou cast down, O! my soul, and why art thou disquieted 
Avithin me ? Hope thou in God, for I shall yet praise Him, 
who is the health of my countenance, and my God.' 

"I looked again across the arm of the ocean which inter- 
vened, and I saw the clouds becoming gradually thinner; 
the mountains shewed their grotesque and interesting forms, as 
if seen through a veil, which at length dispersed, and the 
magnificent group of hills was seen in all its beauty. So, I 
thought, has mercy often shed her rays over the scene of life, 
dissolved the clouds of apprehension and sorrow, and cheered 
the whole prospect with the enlivening light of hope and love. 
Every mountain raises its head to the glory of God, and 
all their fantastic but sublime combinations declare his wisdom, 
power, and goodness. This lovely scenery shall preach to my 
soul, and from its ever-varying features I will draw forth in- 
struction, and subjects for praise and adoration." 

From Aros,, island of Mull, Mr. Richmond wrote a letter io 
his son Wilberforce, and in the course of his journey another 
to Mrs. Richmond, both of which we here insert. 

'^Aros, August U, 1820. 
'^My dear Wilberforce, % 

^'How little idea can my son form of the scenes with 
which his father is surrounded, amongst these Highlands and 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 253 

islands of the North. It is like being in another world. In 
some of these remote islands, where the Gaelic language is 
chiefly spoken (though not to the exclusion of the English), 
where different manners, dress, habits, dwellings, Sic. prevail, 

^The world forgetting-, by the world forgot/ 

it seems difficult to conceive that it is still Britain. I am now 
on my way for Staffa and lona, but whether the weather Avill 
be fine enough to allow of my projected excursion, remains 
a doubt; you shall know before this letter is concluded. I 
propose this evening to gather a little company of Highland 
cotters, and to preach to them in a wild glen, in this romantic 
island. The parish church is fifteen miles distant. Yester- 
day I came from Oban, which is thirty-five miles by sea from 
this place; but owing to the wind being in the wrong direction, 
we made tacks amounting to one hundred miles, before we got 
into this little peaceful spot. This is a little inn — before it 
in one direction, is the sea, and beyond, a vast range, of 
mountains, called Morven, in Argyleshire; in another direc- 
tion, about half a mile off, is a ruined castle, standing on 
a bold knoll and rock, washed by the waves. On our right 
hand are the hills of the isle of Mull, covered with heath and 
cottages. Before the door runs a salmon stream, rattling 
over stones: above thirty people were yesterday fishing and 
harpooning for salmon; fifty of them weighed from four to 
twenty-five pounds each. Dozens of children were in the river 
to catch eels, talking Gaelic with much vociferation and 
alacrity. 

"I think, in our voyage yesterday, I saw twenty ruined 
castles, and three inhabited ones, and above twenty-five of the 
islands of the Hebrides. The intelligent boatmen tell you 
all manner of ancient legends and histories connected with 
them and their ancient masters. They carry you back into 
the days of Norwegian, Danish, and Irish story. I saw the 
spot where a part of the Spanish Armada was wrecked; and 
a gun still remains on a rock, belonging to one of the Spanish 
ships. It is on the main-land shore, opposite to the Isle of 
Mull. This is the grand scene of all Ossian's descriptions, 
and corresponds exactly with them. All the ruins are finely 
covered with ivy, and so are the rocks. 

"We have had much rain, and the mountain torrents run 

grandly down their sides. I think on Thursday we counted 

350 cascades, in a morning ride: some of them gigantic. I 

remember seeing twenty-nine at one view. The wild magni- 

22* 



254 MEMOIRS OP THE 

licence of Highland scenery cannot easily be conceived. Par- 
ties of ladies are amongst the visitants^ and in some places 
they cheerfully submit to many privations for the sake of the 
prospects. I go into the cottages, and sit down v^ith the poor 
people; and talk with them on religious subjects, and receive 
rich milk and whiskey in return. There is much grateful af- 
fection about them. 

^'In the map you may trace my route thus: Carlisle, Long- 
town, Annan, Dumfries, Biggar, Lanark, Glasgow, Greenock, 
Isle of Bute, Arran, Campbeltown, near the Mull of Kin- 
tyre, Arroquhar, Inverary, Dalmally, Oban. Next, and yet 
to come, if all be well, is Staffa, lona, Fort William, Fort 
Augustus, Inverness, Tain; thence, downwards, towards 
Perth, Dundee, and Edinburgh. I am very thankful to God 
for permitting me to take this round, and more so for making 
my services very acceptable, and I hope useful. The tempest- 
beaten glens, the secluded isles, the populous towns, the ro- 
mantic villages, all in their turn bear witness to the declara- 
tion of Hhe truth as it is in Jesus.' I have a truly congenial 
companion in the 'Clemens' of the Christian Guardian j"^ he 
is just what I want, both for soul and body, and in each de- 
votes himself to my aid and comfort most assiduously. Our 
views, principles, taste, and feelings, strictly accord. He is 
a student of divinity in the university at Edinburgh, and pre- 
paring for the Scotch church. I left Mary with Dr. S. last 
Tuesday; she will soon go to Edinburgh, and wait till my return 
from the North of Scotland. I shall now lay down my pen, 
and probably not resume it until the point is decided, to-mor- 
row or next day, w^hether the rain will allow of our visiting 
these most interesting of islands, Staffa and lona. The lat- 
ter is thirty miles from hence; the former twenty, but on the 
opposite side. 

Tuesday y Aug. 15. Very wet, and we cannot proceed. 
Both lona, at twenty, and Staffa, at ten miles distance, are 
in sight, but it is very doubtful whether we shall reach them, 
as the Atlantic is full of mists, rain, and wind. I am wait- 
ing patiently for better weather, in a little inn, in this little 
island, five miles by three. 

" — 18. My dear boy, I have seen Staffa, and write this 
from lona. What I shall say I know not, for really I can 
say nothing as I ought. When I entered the cave of Fingal, 
I knew not whether to burst out into one unceasing cry of as- 

* The Rev. D. Pitcairn. ^ 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 255 

tonishment, or meditate in unbroken silence of overwhelming 
wonder, or fall down upon my knees in devout adoration of 
Him who formed such a scene of sublime beauty. It beggars 
all description. This was on Wednesday: after waiting four 
days for weather, yesterday we arrived at this lonely scene 
of ruins and curiosities, and it more than answers all my ex- 
pectations. Think of all we have read about lona, and im- 
agine then a small part of my sensations." 

^'My dear Love, — It would be no easy task to describe 
the laborious circuit of engagements and accompanying solic- 
itudes, in which I am deeply engaged. Next week I enter 
the depths of the Highlands, and so far north: if all be well^ 
the week after next I shall reach Staffa, the isle of wonders; 
and lona, the isle of caves and kings. Amongst the spiritual 
mercies I have this week met with, are three new and dis- 
tinct instances of the conversions and happy deaths of children 
in Glasgow, Paisley, and Greenock; two, through ^Little 
Jane.' The wide dispersion of, and impression connected 
with these tracts in Scotland, is scarcely credible. I have, 
in this respect, seen far beyond Hhe travail of my soul.' When 
I reflect upon the simplicity of their origin, and the little idea 
entertained of their ever going beyond the limited circulation 
of the Christian Guardian, I am sometimes lost in wonder at 
the success attending their publication. Surely, we may 
unitedly praise God for his unspeakable mercy to us in this 
one unexampled instance. 

"This situation is very lovely: near it stands the seat of 
Lord Blantyre, Mrs. Stewart's brother. Close by flows the 
magnificent river Clyde, widening gradually from 200 yards, 
to three miles in breadth. Highly cultivated scenery is back- 
ed by stupendous groups of vast Highland mountains, forming 
the very first class of landscape. Ruined castles, elegant 
mansions, sea-port towns, woods, rocks, promontories, boats, 
ships, banks, succeed each other. Ben Lomond is seen in 
all his ponderous grandeur, and so is Benledi. The whole 
neighboring scenery is indeed very fine. 

"I preach three times at Paisley to-morrow; at Glasgow 
on Monday; at Rothsay, in the Isle of Bute, on Wednesday; 
at Greenock on Thursday; at Port Glasgow on Friday; at 
Arroquhar on Sunday week." 

"Mr. Richmond visited the island of lona twice; he found 
there neither temple nor ordinances of religious worship^ Qxcept 



256 MEMOIRS OF THE 

in the occasional visits of a Scotch minister from an adjacent 
island; and the appointment of a schoolmaster^ who assembled 
the children in a rude building. 

From lona Mr. Richmond visited Staffa. We extract a 
few memoranda from his Diary, written at this time. 

^'Jlug. 19. Set off for a second view of Staffa. We took 
the good schoolmaster and his wife with us. No words can 
describe the whole: we had the afternoon sun upon all the 
most striking features of this magnificent group. The water 
was so calm that we went into the great cave in the boat, and 
thus obtained the finest view possible. We sang a hymn; it 
was sweetly echoed. Rows of prismatic pillars; — their crown 
twisted — pillars in all directions — an immense one at the 
end of the cave — shells on rocks — ^covering of the roof — ruins 
of lona seen from the cave — sound of the surf— causeivay of 
broken pillars — cattle feeding above — light and shade — cas- 
cades of surf — spray dashing — scenery much im.proved by the 
clearness of the day — lona huts — peculiar statistics of lona — 
schoolmaster's account — no clock, but sun and tide — seven 
watches — no shop — four sermons a year; once, four a day — 
schoolmaster reads weekly. 

'^Conversation this day in the boat very interesting. Re- 
turned to lona at eight o'clock. Drank tea with the good 
schoolmaster. 

''Aug. 20.— Sunday. Willy's birth-day; God bless him! 
Breakfast conversation with the schoolmaster. Plan for build- 
ing a school-house. Preparation for sermon. Sweet quiet- 
ness of this island. Sabbath morning. Went at eleven to 
the school-house, and gave a service. I preached to a large 
company of these poor lonians, from 2 Cor. v. Delightful! 
(The room, roof, windows, floor, desk, forms, people, &c.) 
Then I went and passed two hours alone, amid the ruins and 
graves. Had solemn and peaceful meditations! 

''At four gave another service, preaching from Luke xxiv, 
47. At half-past six gave a third, chiefly to the children. 
The last, by the schoolmaster interpreting in Gaelic, sentence 
by sentence. Much affection. It w^as an interesting experi- 
ment; he prayed, read, and sang in Gaelic. 

"Passed a most comfortable evening, in conversation with 
these worthy lonians. Surely, I have learned much here! A 
day to be remembered. I hope to raise a sufficient subscrip- 
tion to build a new school-house for lona. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 257 

"Moon setting. Stars most bright at eleven. All reflected 
on the ocean, on the ruins, and from the hills and rocks." 

It will excite no surprise, that a man of Mr. Richmond's 
piety and taste should avail himself of this opportunity to visit 
the once celebrated island of lona, one of the Hebrides. lona 
now contains only one village, with mean houses, and about 
400 inhabitants. It is the most noted place of Caledonian 
antiquity.^ It was formerly the seat of the Druids, some of 
whose sepulchral remains are still extant. Christianity was 
introduced into this island by St. Coluraba, after whom it was 
called I-colum-kill, or Columba's Cell. St. Columba came 
from Ireland to lona in the sixth century, accompanied by 
twelve disciples, through whose missionary labors the greater 
part of Scotland was converted to the Christian faith. The 
college founded by St. Columba was the seat and centre of 
literature and piety; and from hence these blessings were dif- 
fused, not only over the British islands, but throughout a great 
part of Europe. The ruins of these ancient edifices still re- 
main as memorials of the apostolical labors of Columba, his 
associates and successors. lona is the burial place of forty- 
eight Scotch crowned heads, four Irish kings, eight Norwe- 
gian princes or viceroys of the island, and a multitude of no- 
bility and religious orders. It had also 360 crosses, which 
were all destroyed, except one, at the Reformation. The 
ruin of the once splendid cathedral cannot fail to interest the 
traveller, and to excite the deepest emotion in the heart of the 
Christian. It was under the influence of recollections like 
these, that Dr. Johnson composed the following celebrated 
passage. 

"We were now treading that illustrious island which was 
once the luminary of the Caledonian regions; whence savage 
clans, and roving barbarians derived the benefit of knowl- 
edge and the blessings of religion. To abstract the mind 
from all local emotion would be impossible if it were endea- 
vored, and would be foolish if it were possible. Whatever 
withdraws us from the power of our senses; whatever makes 
the past, the distant, or the future predominate over the pres- 
ent, advances us in the dignity of thinking beings. Far from 
me, and from my friends, be such frigid philosophy, as may 
conduct us, indifferent and unmoved, over any ground which 

* We refer the reader to Pcnant's Tour tliroug-li Scotland; and Johnson's 
Tour to the Hebrides, for further information, 



258 MEMOIRS OF THE 

has been dignified by wisdom, bravery, and virtue. The man 
is little to be envied, whose patriotism would not gain force 
upon the plains of Marathon, or whose piety would not grow- 
warmer among the ruins of lona."^ 

From lona, he wrote to Mrs. Richmond: 

^*I am persuaded that my dearest Mary will not only allow 
me to express the strong sensations of my own heart, as con- 
nected with the remote and magnificent scenes in which a 
kind Providence is at present placing me, but will sym- 
pathize and share them with me. Had I not sent off a let- 
ter two days since to Wilberforce, I would on this day 
have written to him, as it is his birth-day; which has been 
the subject of my early and earnest morning prayer, on 
a sabbath spent in this extraordinary and interesting island. 
You are not altogether unaware of the peculiar feelings and 
wishes which, for many years, I have cherished in regard to 
these islands; and now the desire has been fully answered. 
You can form little idea of the characteristics of every thing 
and every body around me. The novelty, simplicity, singu- 
larity, the tout ensemble is indescribable. I have been 
obliged to wait a whole week for suitable weather, and al- 
most despaired of success, but I regret it not now. ^God 
waits upon the waiters,' and we experience it. No one can 
visit these islands without allotting from a week to a fortnight 
of disposable time for the purpose. You have seen my prints 
of Staffa; but you have not seen them large and solid as the 
original. The sublimity, beauty, magnificence, singularities, 
wildness and overwhelming influence of the whole, quite stop my 
pen, and my breath, when I attempt either to write or speak 
on the subject. I have made two separate visits to Staffa, 
and seen it within and without, with every possible advantage. 
My travelling friend, Mr. P., is of a truly congenial mind, 
and we have mutual pleasure in using the scenes of nature as 
means of grace. 

lona is delightful in another way. Here, amid the 
ruins of ancient grandeur, piety, and literature — surrounded 
by the graves and mouldering grave-stones of kings, chief- 

* See Journey to the Western Islands of Scotland, by Dr. Johnson. Bos- 
well, in his life of Dr. Johnson, relates the following- anecdote respecting this 
passage: — ''Sir Joseph Banks, '^ he observes, 'Hhe respectable president of 
the Royal Society, told me he was so much struck on reading it, that he 
clasped his hands together, and remained for some time in an attitude of 
silent admiration, '^ 



KEV. LEGH RICHMOND. 259 

tains, lords of the isles, bishops, priests, abbesses, nuns, and 
friars — the scene decorated with the fine and romantic re- 
mains of cathedral, colleges, nunnery, chapels, and oratorios, 
with views of islands, seas, rocks, mountains, interspersed 
with the humble huts of these poor islanders; — I am just pre- 
paring to preach to as many of them as can understand 
English, in the open air. A rock my pulpit, and heaven my 
sounding-board; may the echo resound to their hearts. In 
the evening, I expect to preach by a Gaelic interpreter, to 
the whole company of islanders, sentence after sentence being 
translated as I utter them. I trust I am following up the 
spiritual example and wishes of my friend C, and that some 
good will result from this visit. This will more than repay the 
delay occasioned in my journey, by this most interesting ex- 
cursionto the Hebrides. It will somewhat lengthen my journey 
and time; but I feel a persuasion that my own soul and those 
of others are to profit by it. Join your prayers to mine, that 
it may be so. 

''Since writing the above, I have given three services, 
under circumstances most interesting and novel, to these poor 
islanders of Icolumbkill. The last by a Gaelic interpreter, 
who translated every sentence, after I had delivered it in 
English. I passed near two hours alone, amid the ruins and 
graves of the cathedral. It is a most solemn and peaceful 
meditation: and here, you may tell Willy, I knelt down upon 
the graves of ancient monarchs, mouldering in the dust, and 
prayed God to 'remember him for good;' to make him a holy 
and happy being, both in time and eternity. I asked of the 
Lord, that my child might share in the Christian privileges, 
character, and literature of the once renowned Christian di- 
vines of lona, the missionaries and theologians of a primitive 
period, on whose ashes I was treading; I prayed that if (and 
only if) his heart were rightly directed, God would make 
him a minister of Christ's church on earth; but that he might 
never enter on the sacred office, if likely to be a careless, 
carnal, unconverted servant of the sanctuary. My heart was 
full of holy freedom, as I oflered up a father's petition on the 
birth-day of my child." 

The following is a letter addressed to his son, at this time, 
containing a most impressive appeal on the subject of the 
Christian ministry: — 



260 MEMOIRS OF TUE 

^^My dear Boy, 



^^It is high time that you and I should communicate fre- 
quently, intimately, and confidentially. If this is not to be 
expected by the time you have arrived at fifteen, v^hen is it 
to be looked for? On one account, I have more solicitude, and 
even dread, on your behalf, than for any of my children. 
Earnestly as I should wish a son of mine to be a minister, 
yet I tremble at the idea of educating and devoting a son to 
the sacred profession, without a previous satisfactory evidence 
that his own soul was right with God. Without this, you 
and I should be guilty of a most awful sin in his sight. To 
any, and every other good profession, trade, or occupation, 
it may be lawful and expedient to fix with some degree of de- 
termination, long before entering upon it; but the ministry is an 
exception. Even St. Paul himself trembles at his responsibility, 
and exclaims, ^lest, when I have preached to others, I myself 
should be a cast-away.' I consider personal religion, ac- 
companied and evidenced by personal conduct, to be indispen- 
sable in the individual, before either he, or another for him, 
fixes on the ministry for his profession. And I will not hes- 
itate to say to yoiiy that, honored, and happy as I should 
feel^ in being permitted to see you a faithful preacher of 
righteousness, adorning the Gospel which you would proclaim 
to others; — yet without this, I would rather a thousand times 
see you a mason, or in the humblest capacity in life. I know 
what the office is; and a penitent sense of my own deficiencies 
teaches me to be fearful, and to tremble for those of others: 
how much more so in the case of my own child? 

^'The national church groans and bleeds, ^from the crown 
of its head to the sole of its feet,' through the daily intrusion 
of unworthy men into its ministry. Patrons, parents, tutors, 
colleges, are annually pouring a torrent of incompetent youths 
into the church, and loading the nation with spiritual guilt. 
Hence, souls are neglected and ruined — bigotry and ignorance 
prevail — church pride triumphs over church godliness — and 
the Establishment is despised, deserted, and wounded. Shall 
you and I deepen these wounds ? — shall we add one more unit 
to the numbers of the unworthy and traitorous watchmen on 
the towers of our British Jerusalem? God forbid! But to 
avoid so sad a departure from every principle of sacred order 
and conscience, you must become a humble, seriously-minded, 
consistent young disciple of Christ: a diligent student, an 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 261 

obedient son, a loving brother, a grateful worshipper, a sim- 
ple-hearted Christian. And 1 must feel comfortably sat- 
isfied that you are so; or with what conscience, with what 
hope, with what satisfaction, with what peace of mind, can 
I consent to devote you to the most sacred, the most impor- 
tant, the most responsible of all ojffices within the compass of 
human existence.'* 

'Wow, I will not, and ought not to conceal from you, that, 
however accustomed we may all have been to talk of you as 
a future clergyman, I dare not decide upon any such plan 
without a much more cleai^ evidence than I have jet seen, 
that your actual state of feelings and conduct, temper and 
conversation, habitual and permanent thoughts are such as 
will justify me in coming to so solemn a determination on 
iny own part. 

"I say this with anxiety, and write it with fear, as my pen 
proceeds; but I say it with earnest prayers for the real con- 
version of your soul to God, and with some hope that He will 
hear the petitions which I have oifered up for you through 
many a long year. I still repeat it, that I never can consent 
to put my seal to the question of the ministry, unless, and 
until I have some satisfactory proof of your heart being turned 
to God, in holy consistency and permanence of character. 

'^Let these pages be a testimony before God — and keep 
them as a sign between you and me- — that I am in earnest, 
as to a subject where indifference would be sin. 

^'I have long been studying your character, in the hourly 

events of each day, in immediate reference to this point. 

Remember, Hhey that are Christ's have crucified the flesh, with 
its affections and lusts:' crucify yours. Pursue your studies 
with diligence: you may do great things for yourself, even 
without help — although I grant, much better with it. But 
'work while it is day; the night cometh when no man can 
work.' Believe me your affectionate father, L. R." 

May the above serious and highly appropriate remarks be 
deeply impressed on every youthful aspirant to the ministe- 
rial office. And may every parent, before he finally destines 
his child for so sacred a profession, pause, and maturely weigh 
the responsibility of the act: and, as a further stimulant to 
his conscience, may he contemplate Mr. Richmond praying 
for his son, amidst the graves and ruins of lona. 

We have already noticed the cheerful character of Mr. 
Richmond's piety. The kindness of his heart led him to ex- 
23 



262 MEMOIRS OF THE 

perience an exquisite satisfaction in imparting pleasure. It 
seemed to be his constant aim "to instruct by pleasing;" and 
he entered into every innocent feeling of children, and readily 
shared their recreations. The school at lona particularly 
interested him; and he soon gained on the children's affec- 
tions, who listened to his instructions with confiding simplic- 
ity. Before he quitted lona, he rewarded their diligent at- 
tendance with a public entertainment. The best sheep to be 
found in the island was purchased for the sum of six shillings. 
But a difficulty arose on the occasion, — there was fuel to 
roast it, but the whole domain could not supply the neces- 
sary apparatus for its dissection. The children assembled on 
shore, and picked up shells, to answer the purpose of knives 
and forks. 

How interesting a scene! Two hundred children and their 
parents, assembled on the sea-shore, — every countenance 
beaming with delight! The hearts of the guests might be 
full of joy, in the novelty of the amusement, and in the hos- 
pitality of their benefactor; but the master of the feast, 
amidst the wreck of greatness, the tombs of the mighty dead, 
and the anticipation of the revival of former piety among 
these remote islanders, would taste the higher luxury of doing 
good. 

At the conclusion of the festivity, all sung the following 
hymn, which Mr. Richmond, in the glow of his benevolent 
feelings, had instantaneously composed, and which was in- 
terpreted by the school-master. The precipitation with which 
these lines were composed, must disarm the severity of criti- 
cism: — 

^^Thou God of all grace! O omnipotent Lord, 

Fill our hearts with the power of thy soul-saving word! 

Have mercj; Jehovah! and be it thy will 

To save the poor children of Icolumbkill! 

''Thy spirit came once on the wings of a Move.' 
And proved to our fathers how great was thy love: 
Have mercy again, Lord! and be it thy will 
To save the poor children of Icolumbkill! 

''When idolatrous Druids polluted the land, 
To banish them hence, thou didst stretch forth thy hand: 
Thou art still the same Lord; and oh! be it thy will 
To save the poor children of Icolumbkill! 

''On thee all our hope, in our poverty, stays — 
Revive, Lord, thy work, in the midst of the days: 
We will trust thee, O Lord! then be it thy will 
To save the poor children of Icolumbkill! 



KEV. LEGH RICHMOND. 263 

'^'Though remote be our dwelling; and humble our lot, 
Yet our God has a blessing for each little cot. 
Have mercy, dear Saviourl and be it thy will 
To save the poor children of Icolumbkill! 

''May our hearts feel the power of the blood that was shed. 
When Christ on the cross for our sins 'bowed his head:' 
May that blood be our trusij and oh! be it thy will 
To save the poor children of Icolumbkill! 

''Bless our parents and teachers; and make it their joy 
In seeking our welfare their time to employ: 
Oh! bless their instructions3 and be it thy will 
To save the poor children of Icolumbkill! 

''Now hear our petition, O God of the Isles! 
That we all may partake of thy heavenly smiles: 
In life and in death be thou merciful still, 
And save the poor children of Icolumbkill! 

"And at the last day, when our bodies shall rise, 
To behold the great Saviour and Judge in the skies — 
Then let it be known 'twas thy pleasure and will. 
To save the poor children of Icolumbkill/' 

Mr. Richmond, during his visit to lona, frequently preached 
in the school-house. On one of these occasions, he adverted 
to the Jewish mission. The hum of the children was heard, 
"We will givSj we will give!" Some persons present attempt- 
ed to check their zeal, and keep silence, but all voices were 
raised in reply — "The bairns will have it — the bairns will 
have it!" meaning, the children would make a collection: and 
they presented to him the sum of 2/. Os. 9d.^ If not all 
their living, yet a magnificent offering to Him whose grace 
had touched their hearts and inspired their zeal. Of these 
poor islanders it might be truly said, "Their deep poverty 
abounded unto the riches of their liberality." 

The impression made on the people of lona by Mr. Rich- 
mond's visit, appears from the following anecdote. He had 
hired a boat and two sailors, to take him to Fingal's cave, a 
place of great curiosity, and of which he never spoke without 
the deepest emotion. On his return, he asked the boatmen 
what he had to pay them. But they refused to accept any 
remuneration; and though he urged them to name their charge, 
they firmly persisted in their resolution; looking at him with 
tears in their eyes and exclaiming, "No, no, no, sir. Love 
has brought you to lona, and love shall find you a boat." 

*This seems a large sum for lona, but we have the authoiity of Mr. Rich- 
mond's journal for the fact; where it is also staled, tliat lie repeatedly declined 
accepting the boon, but the islanders forced it upon him, as a testimony of 
their regard to him and to his cause. 



264 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Mr. Richmond, before he quitted this interesting scene of 
his labors, addressed the children: about 200 of whom were 
present. The master desired that as many as wished to 
thank their benefactor for his kindness to them, would lift up 
their hands. All raised their hands above their heads. '^Is 
this from your hearts ?'' said the master. Instantly one hand 
was laid on their hearts, the other remaining up: "and 
in this posture," says Mr. Richmond, in his journal, "the 
dear children stood, while I gave them a parting blessing. It 
was a most touching sight." 

He left lona amidst the tears of its population, nearly the 
whole of whom attended him to the sea-shore, with the most 
lively demonstrations of gratitude and love. 

"Farewell," he observes, "dear, interesting lona. May I 
think much and profitably on my visit, and on what I saw and 
enjoyed there." 

Before he quitted the island, he had formed a plan for 
raising, by subscription, the means of building a new school- 
house, and providing a permanent salary for the master. 

With a view to prepare his Scotch friends for the design, 
he wrote to his daughter Mary, whom he left at Edinburgh. 

"My dear Mary, 

"Nothing ever equalled StafFa in one point of view, 
or lona in another: no words of mine will ever reach or 
approach what I should wish to say; but I thank God for 
what I have seen. 

"Tell our good friends, that my anxiety to promote the 
welfare of the poor islanders of lona has led me to undertake 
the raising a subscription to build a school-room; which, with 
the aid of the schoolmaster, of most true and godly simplicity, 
will be of essential benefit to the place. About 90/. will be 
wanted, and I sincerely hope to succeed in raising it. I have 
spent three days and a sabbath among them. I preached 
thrice there; the opportunity was delightful, and affecting in 
the highest degree. Pray use your influence to prepare the 
way before I come. The money will be admirably laid out 
for the good of the island. I have pledged myself for the 
attempt, and trust God will prosper it. I hope my petition 
will prevail with those who w^ish well to the poor islanders. 
The prayers, tears, and blessings of the dear people followed 
us to the shore, as I departed. It was a time much to 
be remembered. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. *^^^ 

On Mr. Riclimond^s return to Edinburgh, he made the 
following appeal to the Scotch public: 

'^loNA. — A friend to the religious education and improve- 
ment of the inhabitants of the western islands of Scotland, has 
recently visited the interesting island of lona (or Icolumbkill). 
The island is an appendage to a parish in the adjacent isle of 
Mull. Divine service is performed in lona, by the minister, 
four times a year. There is a school in lona, under the 
charge of a pious master, who receives a salary from the 
Society for promoting Christian Knowledge in the Highlands 
and Islands of Scotland. This schoolmaster reads a sermon 
to several of the inhabitants, every sabbath day: but the 
house appropriated to the purpose of the school is in so ruinous 
a state, and so very unsuitable to the design, in regard to 
size, light, and general convenience, that neither the education 
of the children nor the instruction of the adults, can be 
carried on with advantage. The inhabitants of this remote 
island, are four hundred and fifty in number. In the hope of 
promoting their religious and moral welfare, it is proposed to 
raise a subscription for the building of a very plain but com- 
modious school-room, for the instruction of the islanders. The 
tenants and cotters are too poor to raise a subscription 
amongst themselves, although they are very desirous that 
such a house should be built, and will assist in the carting 
and carrying of the materials to the place. ^Gold and silver 
they have none; but such as they have, they will give to the 
cause.' The schoolmaster is much esteemed amongst them, 
and has been the instrument of considerable usefulness to the 
inhabitants; and there is every reason to believe that the 
accommodation thus proposed will, if carried into execution, 
greatly increase it. The requisite steps will be taken to 
ensure the permanent appropriation of the building to the 
purpose for which the subscription is raised. It is estimated 
that 90/. will be adequate to the accomplishment of the plan. 

^^It may be a subject of affecting consideration, that this 
humbled school-house will be erected in the very midst of the 
venerable ruins of many religious and literary establishments; 
from which, in the earlier periods of Scottish history piety and 
learning were diffused through a large portion of Europe, as 
well as in the British islands; and they still remain, as 
memorials of the apostolical labors of Columba, his associates, 
and successors. There, likewise, mingled with the graves of 
the poor Islanders, lie the remains of numerous kings of 
Scotland, Ireland, and Norway, — of the lords of the isles, 
23* 



jL 



^^^ MEMOIRS OF THE 

and of innumerable chieftains, who were long since hnried in 
this once chosen cenietry of royalty and ancient grandeur. 

^^The associations arising from a comparison between the 
former and present condition of this little island, may perhaps 
be allowed to plead an additional argument for this attempt to 
ameliorate the situation of its present and future inhabitants, 
by affording increased facilities and encouragements to their 
education and instruction. 

^'Amongst the various appeals which are now making to the 
Christian public, in behalf of the Highlands and Islands 
of Scotland, it is hoped that the present may be allowed to 
rank as not the least interesting. 

'^ Subscriptions, and names of subscribers, will be received 
by Robert Hepburne, Esq, Edinburgh; who has kindly under- 
taken to act as treasurer. The Rev. Legh Richmond has 
also engaged to conduct the correspondence, and the arrange- 
ments requisite for the accomplishment of the building. 

At this time he wrote the following letter to his daughter 
Fanny: — 

"Since I wrote my last, I have abundantly succeeded in 
Staffa and lona. No words can express the astonishing 
sublimity, beauty, grandeur, and unique character of the 
former; or the deep and affecting interest excited by the ruins 
and associations of the latter island. I slept four nights 
therein, in a little hut, such as you never saw, amid the 
venerable ruins of all the great literary and religious establish- 
ments of ancient days, when lona was the fountain of learning 
and piety to all Europe. I preached there thrice on Sunday 
se'nnight, to such a group of poor islanders, in such a poor 
place, as you cannot easily conceive; and between the ser- 
vices, I went and locked myself up, for affecting meditation, 
amidst the ruins of the once grand cathedral of St. Columba; 
and walked upon the graves of numberless kings of Scotland, 
Ireland, and Norway, — lords of the isles, chieftains of all the 
clans, bishops, priors, abbesses, nuns, and friars — who lie here 
in wild confusion, mingled with the poor forefathers of the 
present islanders. By day, the sun shone — and by night 
a lovely moon illuminated the splendid panorama of ocean, 
eighteen islands, innumerable mountains, ranges of vast rocks, 
ruins, peasants' huts, ships, boats, and a countless group 
of other interesting objects. As but a small part of these 
poor Ion ians can understand English, I preached to them by 
an interpreter, sentence by sentence; a pious schoolmaster, 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 267 

wiio is a blessing to the island, translating all I said. Never 
did I see such a sight, or feel such a feeling before. I am 
trying to raise a subscription, to build these poor islanders a 
school-roonoi : it will indeed be a work of charity. When 
I first beheld the cave of Fingal, in StafFa, I knew not 
whether to close my lips in mute astonishment, or to fall down 
and pray to the true God of such a temple. I wanted 
new faculties for such a new demonstration of almighty power. 
As I went thither, the sea was rolling immense waves; and 
we went up and down into watery hills and valleys: but 
a calm succeeded as we arrived at Staffa." 

Letter to Mr. Higgins, of Turvey Abbey on the same sub- 
ject:— 

"I have enjoyed a fine view of the Highlands, and several 
of the islands of Scotland. No prints or drawings can give 
more than a very feeble idea of StafFa. It exceeded all my ex- 
pectations, which were wrought very high. It is grand, beau- 
tiful, singular, efficient in the highest degree; but often diffi- 
cult to reach. With lona I was deeply interested, in quite 
a different way, — in relation to its ruins and past history, its 
present moral and religious necessities, — and I hope, its ap- 
proaching improvement. I hope to build them a school: I 
have raised a subscription for the purpose. Finely as the 
Lowlands and some parts of the Highlands are circumstanc- 
ed, in regard to education, other parts need much to be done, 
and especially the islands, which have been neglected; but an 
active spirit is beginning to arise for their amelioration. 

^'The scenery of the islands and western shores of Scot- 
land is very superb and interesting: I met with a great deal 
more fine ivy upon the castle ruins, in various places, than I 
think fell to your lot. The scene along the Caledonian canal, 
from the island of Zismore to Inverness, is of the very first 
class. Ben Nevis, rising directly 4,370 feet from the sea at 
its foot, is a noble hill; and the Fall of Foyers, 200 feet per- 
pendicular, on Loch Ness, is a complete specimen of the 
grand and beautiful as a cascade. 

^'My daughter Mary has found so many valuable friends in 
Scotland, that she is persuaded to pass the winter with them; 
and is enjoying a retreat in a beautiful spot on the banks of 
the Clyde, with a clergyman and his lady, (a sister of Lord 
B.) who combine the truly Christian character with every 
other good and ornamental qualification. I have consented to 
this visit. 



^2SS MEMOIRS OF THE 

'^I have had much business^ both of a private and public 
nature, on my hands during my absence; but^ on the whole, 
have been very well. Travelling contributes much to my gen- 
eral health and strength. 

^Tresent my kind and pastoral regards to Mrs. H. and 
your family; and every good wish for their temporal, spiritual, 
and eternal welfare.'' 

About this time, Mr. Richmond opened a communication 
with the Duke of Argyle, the owner of the island of lona, 
after he had raised 70/. amongst his friends. The Duke, it 
appears, chose to erect the proposed building at his own ex- 
pense. 

The following extracts from a letter written to the editor 
by Mr. Pitcairn, contain all the information on this subject 
which we have been able to collect. 

"Much of my correspondence with Mr. Richmond was re- 
specting a fund which he had collected for erecting a new 
school-room at lona. This was afterwards rendered unneces- 
sary, as the Duke of Argyle built the house entirely at his 
own expense. Mr. Richmond contemplated the appropriation 
of the money raised for lona, to a nobler purpose than that of 
a building. He died, however, before a plan was adjusted. 
Mr. Hepburne is the treasurer, and I am secretary to this 
fund. We are now making arrangements with the society in 
Scotland for Propagating Christian Knowledge, and with 
whom the money is to be vested in trust; and the interest 
applied annually for the moral and religious benefit to lona. 
We are thus endeavoring to carry into etfect Mr. Richmond's 
benevolent design." 

It is with unfeigned satisfaction that we hail the dawn of 
lona's recovery of her ancient privileges; but we trust the 
effort will not rest here. When we contemplate this once 
celebrated isle, the ancient seat of piety and civilization; for- 
merly actively engaged in dispensing to others the blessings 
by which it was so highly distinguished; and when we contrast 
these privileges with its present state of religious destitution; 
we confess that we are unable to repress the emotions awak- 
ened by such a recollection. Shall a population of 450 immortal 
beings be left destitute of the means of grace, and of the appoint- 
ment of a regular ministry.^ Shall "she who was great among 
the nations, and princess among the provinces, sit solitary and 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 269 

become as a widow?" We call on the sons of Caledonia to fulfil 
a solemn act of duty — we would remind them of their obli- 
gations to this illustrious isle, and would point to the broken 
fragments of its temples, which seem to say, ''why repair ye 
not the breaches of the Lord's house?" We are disposed to 
believe, if an appeal at this time were made to the Christian 
public, both in Scotland and England, that it would not be 
rejected. To Mr. Richmond's visit, lona owes her school- 
house. We cannot refrain from indulging the pious wish, that 
to his Memoir she might be indebted for a still higher blessing, 
the establishment of a regular ministry! 

We must not extend the detail of these tours beyond the 
present limits: other subjects demand attention. Mr. Rich- 
mond's journal abounds with the most grateful recollections 
and honorable mention of his friends in Scotland. Indeed, it 
were impossible that such a heart should not feel deeply the 
kind hospitality every where shewn him, and the generous 
manner in which the English missions were encouraged and 
supported. Though delicacy forbids us to publish these warm 
expressions of his gratitude and love, and restrains us from 
specifying the objects of his praise, we cannot retrace our 
^teps homewards without making one remark. In the record 
of those journeys there appears a uniform acknowledgment of 
the liberality and urbanity of his brethren in Scotland, without 
even one solitary exception to occasion regret. 

This ''unity of spirit in the bond of peace," is highly cred- 
itable to the Episcopalian and his brethren of the Presbytery. 
The editor would throw himself upon the candor of the reader 
for dwelling so much and so frequently, in the course of the 
Memoir, on the subject of Christian charity. But the schisms 
of the church of God are very painful to his mind, and the 
subject of his daily prayer. He knows no greater joy than to 
perceive the family of his Lord and Saviour, however scattered 
in distant lands, and somewhat separated by the warpings of 
education and habits, or by the infirmities of a fallen nature, 
cherishing "the same love, being of one accord, of one 
mind," "doing nothing through strife or vain glory, but in 
lowliness of mind esteeming each other better than them- 
selves."* 

■^ Lei^h Riclimond; in this respect, exhibited throughout his life a decided 
pre-eminence. He seemed to carry along- with him an atmospliere of his 
own^ and, in his society, pccuHarities for the most part yickled to the soften- 
ing mfluence of true affection. The editor rcmoml)crs a pleasing- anecdote, 
which strikingly exemplifies his frien(Fs happy manner of meeting" tlie asper- 
ities of very rugged natures. He was once conversing with a brother cler- 



S70 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Legh RJchraond's correspondents were numerous. It is 
truly wonderful that he could find time for a few lines to each 
of them. When absent from home, he not only wrote to his 
wife and to every one of his children; but to the tutor of his 
boys; to the curate who supplied his church; and to his par- 
ishioners. We have not room for many specimens. The fol- 
lowing are no discredit to his memory. 

''Lutterworth, Nov. 13, 1822. 
^^My dear Friend,* — I throw myself on your Christian 
feelings of charity once more. I have done wrong in what I 
have written; I pray you to forgive me. My real, true, and 
only excuse is, that my anxious feelings for the parish, and 
my high approbation of your character and conduct amongst 
the people, made me under-rate your objections; I did not 
think them of suflBcient weight, and I was sincerely and hon- 
estly fearful that you had some other reason, in which I was 
personally implicated, and which your delicacy did not like to 
name. I now believe otherwise, and I hope you will receive 
my acknowledgment of my error in the same spirit wherein it 
is offered to you. Do not let it influence you in any part of 
your feelings or conduct towards me. You little know the 
heart with which you have to do, if you think that, except un- 
der an erroneous impression, I could wound any one, much 
less a friend and brother, and one whom I so cordially esteem 
and love. I fancied that it was your nerves, and not your- 
self, that shrank from the path in which I hoped Providence 
had placed you; and therefore I wrote as I did. Once more, 
forgive me. My wife can tell you how much I suffered in my 
mind before you arrived. I looked to your coming as a great 
comfort — I found it so. Every thing went on well; I thought 
that after a year's trial and acquaintance with the people, 
you would be the very man to succeed in my absence. I 
built upon this hope, and imagined that 1 could remove the 
difficulties which, on a short and cursory view, affected your 
mind. I tried to do so, — I failed; — the fabric of my hope 
seemed to totter, — my spirits sank: — I fancied there was more 

gyman, on the case of a poor man who had acted inconsistently with his re- 
ligious profession. After some angry and severe remarks, the gentleman 
wjth whom he was discussing the subject, concluded by sa^^ing, ^-I have no 
notion of such conductj I will have nothing to do with him." ^'Nay, broth- 
er/' observed Mr. Richmond, ''^let us be more charitable in our judgment; 
for with opportunity on the one hand, and Satan at the other, and the grace of 
God at neither, where shoidd you and I be?'' 

* The Rev. Mr. R , at that time his curate. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 271 

of fancy than argument in your reasons for going. These 
considerations disappointed me, and excited my solicitude. I 
was crossed in all my hopes and plans for the next year. Even 
the parental desire to visit my daughter in Scotland, by leav- 
ing a tried and accepted friend at home, seemed to be blighted. 
Put all these things together, and I think you will the more 
readily throw a mantle of charitable forgiveness over the faults 
and mistakes of your friend. On the receipt of this, which I 
send open as a part of my letter to Mrs. R., talk to her freely 
about it; and may every uneasy feeling, either in your or hers, 
or my own mind, be done away. So far as concerns my cor- 
respondence, this letter contains my heart and mind; cancel 
every other. 

"I trust that you are sparing yourself, agreeably to my 
request, in regard to any of the meetings, which have pressed 
on your strength and spirits. Shorten the evening chancel 
lectures; take care of yourself, yet be at ease in so doing. 
An unexpected, but important proposition has been made to 
me relative to some sermons for next Sunday, and which may 
possibly prevent my return before. It is yet unsettled, and 
waits the arrival of a letter to-morrow; but I will mention 
the result as soon as I know it myself. 

"Accept, for myself, the most sincere assurance of my high 
and unfeigned esteem for you and your ministry; my cordial 
prayers for your welfare, both in mind and body and estate; 
my anxious regret that our connexion must not be of a more 
lasting continuance; and my belief that you have entertained 
a real and unmixed regard and respect for your unworthy 
friend. I can add no more than prayers for your happiness, 
and a hope that your next partner in the ministry may as 
highly appreciate your services, and give you as fully his heart, 
as does your affectionate friend and brother, 

Legh Richmond." 

"My dear Friend,* — Had I not frequently heard of you, and 
of the satisfactory manner in which you and the boys were 
going on, from my daughters, I should have written to you 
before, a letter of inquiry and friendship. Accept a few lines 
now, however, for the sake of both. I can assure you that 
no object lies nearer to my heart than the welfare of my sons, 
in whom the treasury of my affections and conscientious de- 
sires is greatly bound up. I often, very often, look with 

* The Rev. Mr. G d. 



272 MEMOIRS OF THE 

trembling regard on the future, as it concerns them; and were 
there not a throne of grace for them and for me, I know not 
how I should bear up under many a drooping feeling. You 
now see and know them, and, I am persuaded, feel an interest 
in all that respects them. Tell me a little of the progress 
and general conduct of each, and be assured of the confidence 
which I repose in your conscientious assiduity and friendly af- 
fection towards them and us. You, my friend, know the value of 
an immortal soul, and can unite its prosperity with every other 
consideration: you feel it for yourself, and can feel it for 
others. You know something of the snares and vices of the 
world by which we are surrounded, and can enter into the 
temptations by which youths are constantly endangered: you 
are not ignorant of the inward plague of the natural heart, 
and of the need there is for prayer and watchfulness, to pre- 
serve it from manifesting its evils in a thousand ways. I can, 
therefore, and I do, feel a peculiar satisfaction in contemplat- 
ing your office as connected with your principles. The time 
is now at hand when I trust, in the bosom of my family and 
parish, to cultivate more intimacy and friendship with you than 
circumstances have recently permitted; and to share with 
you the anxious task of rearing up young minds for heaven. 
I have had much interesting matter for contemplation during 
this journey, on the beauties of nature as well as of grace. I 
have taken a wide range of scenery in Scotland, in the Heb- 
rides, and the North-east coast of Ireland; it is no easy task 
to detail or describe such objects, with all their combinations 
and effects; but they leave a valuable impression on the 
mind that seeks God in the midst of them. It is delightful 
to worship him in the temple of creation, and to catch from 
psalmists and prophets the happy art of elucidating his works 
of redeeming love, by illustrations and arguments drawn from 
his wonders and beauties in the natural w^orld. I will, here- 
after, try to tell you something of these things, and to brighten 
the gloom of our winter horizon by some of my JVortherii 
lights. I have also seen some very lovely instances of the 
power of divine grace on the^ hearts of individuals and peo- 
ple. It is a very delightful consideration, that the same God 
and the same Redeemer reigns every where, and produces 
the same effects in heart and life. What reason have we 
to mourn over our slow growth under so many advantages! 
"Be pleased to give my kind love to Mr. Renton, and tell 
him that I received his letter subsequently to mine leaving 
this. I shall be happy if he can, even for two or three 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND 273 

days, give me the comfort of his society beyond the 12th of 
, August Can you tell me where he is going? He forgot, in 
his letter, to mention the name of the place and clergyman 
whose church he is to serve. Give my love to the boys; ac- 
cept of mine and Mrs. Richmond's assurances of esteem and 
regard; and believe me, faithfully yours, Legh Richmond." 

Pastoral letter, addressed to his parishioners at Turvey. 

Glasgow, Sept. 3, 1820. 
^^My dear Friends, — Although distance may for a season 
produce silence, it cannot cause forgetfulness in my heart. As it 
concerns you, I can truly say that your spiritual welfare and 
temporal comfort form the subject of prayers constantly offered 
up at the throne of grace. It has pleased the Lord to bring 
us safe to our dear child, whom we found better than we 
could have expected, considering the illness and sufferings 
through which she has been carried. Great joy attended 
our meeting, and the affections of nature and grace were 
called into no small exercise. I desire to praise Him for the 
past, and trust Him for the future. Many of you have had 
abounding proofs of God's mercy and goodness in the hour of 
need, and have been brought Hhrough fire and through water 
into a wealthy place.' May the recollections of such benefits 
keep you humble, make you thankful, and render you meet 
for the inheritance of the saints in light! As we journeyed 
hither, we saw many lovely scenes amongst the mountains, 
lakes, rivers and waterfalls of nature; and they reminded us 
of the far greater beauties of holiness in Him who made them 
all, and gives us many a Gospel lesson in the works of cre- 
ation. We are now in a vast city, containing above 150,000 
inhabitants. Much grace prevails here; and also, in such a 
multitude, much evil. What need we have to pray for the 
universal reign of Christian principles in all hearts; for the 
day when Glasgow and London and Turvey may present 
nothing but a population of the true followers of the Lord 
Jesus. When and how shall this come to pass? Times and 
seasons are in the Lord's hand, but the means of grace are 
put into ours. And I know of no means so immediately likely 
to promote the great event of general conversion, as the 
lively, steadfast, and exemplary conduct of Christian profes- 
sors. I would wish to impress this strongly upon every one 
of your minds: you are answerable to God for the conduct of 
every hour, not only as it may affect your own individual 
24 



-274 ME3I0IRS OF THE 

state, but as it may, and must respect your families, your 
neighbors, and the church of God. The increase and pros- 
perity of young converts, is closely connected with the man- 
ner in which older professors of religion so let their light shine 
before them, that they, seeing their good works, may glorify 
their Father which is in heaven. Be a united people: give 
no place to unkind suspicions, or jealousies, or words. Re- 
member the golden rule, 'even so do ye unto others, as ye 
would that they should do unto you.' Keep your eye and your 
heart steadily fixed upon the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ. 
Walk happily, by walking wisely and holily. Maintain fam- 
ily prayer and instruction in your households, whenever it is 
practicable; and where it is not, be more earnest in secret 
prayer for the removal of all hindrances. Keep together as 
a people; encourage no divisions which break the peace of 
the church, and injure weak souls by many false delusions. 
A good Christian is a steady one. You that are in trouble, 
cast your cares upon the Lord, knowing that he careth for 
you. If God be with you, who can be against you? Think 
fver past mercies, and see on whom you ought to trust. Do 
Ndiot dishonor Him by unbelieving doubts. He is faithful that 
has promised. May God answer my prayer for unity, peace, 
and concord. Hearken to the word of truth, from the lips of 
my faithful fellow-laborer: strengthen his hands, and encour- 
age his heart. Pray much for me; I need it, for my labors 
are many, and I am weak; but the Lord is my strength. 
God bless every one of you; and may we, if God will, meet 
again in love and holy resolution. So prays your affectionate 
pastor, Legh Richmond." 

It was during one of Mr. Richmond's excursions to Scot- 
land, that he arranged for publication the very interesting 
diary and ''Letter on the Principles of the Christian Faith,'' 
composed by Miss Sinclair, eldest daughter of the Right 
Hon. John Sinclair, Bart., who died on the 22d May, 
1818. There are few of our readers, we presume, who have 
not read the above production, addressed by Miss Sinclair to 
one of her younger sisters, without any intention of its meet- 
ing the public eye, or aiming at any thing beyond the private 
ediiication of her sister. It contains a very clear, scriptural, 
and able exposition of the principles of the Christian faith, 
accompanied by remarks which showed the influence of those 
principles in her own heart. At the request of the family, a 
memoir of Miss Sinclair was prefixed to the publication, by 
Mr. Richmond. It is foreign to our purpose to enter into any 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 281 

review of this interesting little work, which details the early 
growth and progress of divine grace in the heart of this young 
lady, who appears to have united the attainments of genuine 
piety with the endowments of the most cultivated mind. We 
have much pleasure in subjoining the following testimony, as 
one of the many instances of usefulness arising from the peru- 
sal of this little memoir: — 

^^Rev. Sir, — Being informed that you are writing the life 
of Mr. Richmond, I beg, though the medium of my much es- 
teemed friend Mr. F. to inform you, how greatly I am in- 
debted to the memoir of Miss Hannah Sinclair. I trust it 
is from no ostentatious wish to see my name in print, that I 
allude to the blessed change in my views and principles. 
Yet I do wish to give publicity to the little volume by which 
my mind was first drawn to the true principles of the word of 
God, and my heart rightly impressed by them. I would pay 
a tribute of respect to the memory of one who must be ever 
dear to my recollection, for benefits received from that excel- 
lent letter of Hannah Sinclair; and I anxiously desire that 
her valuable memoir by Mr. Richmond, may be read with the 
same delight and benefit which accompanied my perusal of it. 
I am, &c. H. Phipps." 



CHAPTER XV. 

Death of his infant— Marriage of his eldest daughter — Visit to the North of Ireland 
— Texts on the walls of his church— Extract of a letter to his daughter Y — . — 
Isle of V^ight tour— Pastoral letter — Journal— His son Wilberforce's illness and 
death — Reflections — Marriage of his daughter H — . — Nugent's shipwreck, and 
death— Letters— Apocryphal question— Mr. Richmond's opinion on the mode of 
preaching to the Jews — His sentiments on other subjects — Journey to Cromer — 
Conversation with the editor — Meditation in his study. 

In the spring of 1821, Mr. Richmond lost his infant child. 
He gives the account of this event in a letter to his daughter; 
and he composed a few verses, to soothe the feelings of the 
mother, as well as to express his own. 

"Dear Mary, — Our dear delicate baby has taken his flight 
to a happier world! I write beside his unspeakably beautiful re- 
mains. Of all my twelve babes, I never clung to one like this — 
perhaps, because I never expected his life. He was formed 
for a higher state than this, and is taken away from the evil to 
come. He had an inflammation on the chest for a few days. 



276 MEMOIRS OF THE 

He died in my arms — lovelier than the loveliest, calmer than 
the calmest. His previously languid eye suddenly illumined 
into heavenly brightness and vigor: it looked at me with full 
intelligence — seemed to say, 'Farewell! I am going to Jesus!' 
— and he was gone." 

HYMN FOR AN INFANT'S FUNERAL. 

^'Hark! how tlie angelS; as they fly^ 
Sing" through the reg-ions of the sky} 
Bearhig an infant in their arms, 
Securely freed from sin's alarms; — 

"Welcome, dear babe, to Jesu's breast — 
For ever there in joy to rest: 
Welcome to Jesu's courts above, 
To sing' thy great Redeemer's love! 

"We left the heavens, and flew to earthy 
To watch thee at thy mortal birth: 
Obedient to thy Saviours will. 
We stayed to love and gxiard thee still. 

"We thy protecting angels came. 
To see thee blessed in Jesu's name; 
When the baptismal seal was given, 
To mark thee, child^ an heir of heaven. 

"When the resistless call of death 
Bade thee resign thy infant breath — 
When parents wept, and thou didst smile^ 
We were thy guardians all the while. 

"Now with the lightning's speed, we bear 
The child committed to our care; 
With anthems such as angels sing, 
We fly to bear thee to our King." 

"Thus sweetly borne, he flies to rest: 
We know 'tis well — nay more, 'tis best. 
W^hen we our pilgrims' path have trod, 
Oh! may we find him with our Godl" 

We have already noticed that Mr. Richmond, in his tour to 
Scotland, left his eldest daughter to the care of Dr. and Mrs. 
S., who resided near Glasgow, it was there that an attach- 
ment was formed between Miss Richmond and a clergyman 
of the Established Church of Scotland, whose profession and 
character rendered the connexion a source of peculiar gratifi- 
cation. He alludes to this circumstance in the following letter 
to one of his daughters: — 

"My dear Love, — Was not this the day on which you were 
born ? Why, then, I must now wish you many happy returns 



HEV. LEGH RICHMOND. 277 

of it. But will they he happy, if you be not holy? How I 
long to see my dear F. still more decided — more spiritual — 
more given to holy thoughts, words, and works. Let not your 
mind be drawn aside by any thing that will steal your heart 
from God. Make no idols of books that carry away the im- 
agination. I will give you a rule to judge whether an author 
is profitable in the perusal. — Go directly from your book, and 
open your Bible; and, without partiality or hypocrisy, say 
which you embrace with the most delight. The answer will 
always shew the state of your mind, and the profitableness and 
lawfulness of the book. 

''Become more serious. I am much pleased with the con- 
scientious principles and behavior of Mary and Mr. M., in 
their intercourse. He is a true Christian, and most affec- 
tionately attached to her. His views of faith and practice 
exactly accord with my own: he is too good a man to be light 
and trifling on such a solemn subject as a nuptial engage- 
ment. Mary's mind is sacredly and steadfastly made up, to 
love, honor, and obey him, as the partner of her heart, and 
the choice of her conscience. Oh! pray for the dear girl, and 
treat the question with sacred cheerfulness. My visit to Glas- 
gow was blessed to the cultivation of pure regard and esteem 

with all the M s. I can resign her, with full hope and 

confidence, into God's hands. Do you the same; and wdien 
we return home, seek more opportunities of useful conversa- 
tion. Attend, in the course of every day and hour, to the 
growth of your best and most ennobling principles of action. 
Much, very much time, which might be employed in an increas- 
ing meetness for the inheritance of the saints in light, is, I 
fear, lost. These things ought not so to be, my dear child. 
Time is short, eternity is at hand. It is a hard thing to be 
saved at all; and every lost hour, every idle word^ every neg- 
lected opportunity, makes it more hard. It is a strait gate and 
narrow way to heaven, and (comparatively) few there be that 
find it. 

''Never be without a book, in daily reading, of a direct 
spiritual and devotional tendency; one that will make the 
vanities of time and sense appear unworthy of your notice. 
Always maintain with some one, if possible, a truly religious 
correspondence, calculated to bring Christ to the soul. Keep 
in hourly recollection, that you are a great sinner, unworthy 
of all the comforts and enjoyments which you possess; and 
that without a Saviour inwardly known, all is as nothing. Ex- 
amine for the proofs of a converted mind, in the grand act of 
#24 



^1^ 



278 MEMOIRS OF THE, 

faith on Jesus Christ. I cannot recommend you a more lively 
example than Mrs. Isabella Graham, the admirable aunt of 
Mr. M. Learn to love true religion in others, whoever they 
may be. Shun party prejudice, as the bane of charity and 
the curse of the church. God's love is not limited to us, and 
our division of the church of Christ; why then ought ours? 
Far be it from us to feel alienation from any whom He is 
leading heavenwards. 

'Tray think of the general tenor of this letter, for my 
sake, and for your own sake. I have much spiritual uneasi- 
ness about all my children, and most anxiously wish to see 
them grow in grace. Without this, all is dead. I want to 
see them useful to others around them, and patterns to one 
another, and comforts to me in all things." 

The union took place at Turvey, in the spring of 1822; 
and the writer of this Memoir had the pleasure of officiating 
on the occasion. On the day of Miss Richmond's marriage, 
her father addressed to her the following interesting letter: — 

^'I this day consign you, my beloved daughter, into the 
hands of one whom I believe to be a man of God, and who 
will watch over your eternal as well as your temporal inter- 
ests. I trust that your union is formed in the simplicity of 
faith, hope, and love. Give yourself up, first to God, and 
then to your husband, for Christ's sake. Pray for grace to 
conduct yourself aright, in the new stations of wife and mis- 
tress. Never depend for a single moment, on the strength of 
your own fe^eble nature. Live constantly by faith on the Son 
of God; relying on him for the graces of domestic life, as well 
as those of a more general character. Endeavor in all things 
to please God, and you will be sure to please all whom you 
ought to please. 

''Expect the trials and crosses incident to the earthly pil- 
grimage; but expect also by the mercies and merits of Jesus 
Christ, to be enabled to pass through them with safety and 
peace. 

"Love, honor, and obey your husband, for the Lord's sake. 
Do it upon deep conscientious principles, as in the constant 
sight of God. Think much on the love of Christ to poor 
sinners; and live upon this love, as food and medicine to your 
own soul. 

"Be cheerful without levity; be grave without moroseness; 
be devout without aifectation; be firm without obstinacy; be 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 279 

diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord in all 
things. 

^^Although you leave your father's house, I know you will 
not leave its principles, any more than its love. Though sep- 
arated, we shall be closely united, — though out of sight, yet 
never out of mind: you will think of us, and we of you, with 
affections tender, rational, and abiding. We shall often meet 
at the throne of grace, and welcome each other, and be wel- 
come there; we shall often meet in the correspondences of 
heart and pen. We shall, if God permit, sometimes meet ir. 
sweet personal intercourse again; we shall often meet in the 
affectionate reveries of imagination. And oh! may we at last 
meet to part no more, in the house not made with hands, eter- 
nal in the heavens. 

'^Study your own and your husband's dispositions, that you 
may cultivate true conjugal peace and love. Ever be ready 
to open your heart to him on things spiritual as well as tem- 
poral. Disappoint him not herein, for he will watch over your 
soul, as one that must give account. A minister's public la- 
bors are intimately connected with his private and domestic 
consolations. A minister's wife may be a main-spring of en- 
couragement or discouragement to her husband, in all his ardu- 
ous and anxious occupations for the good of his flock. On her 
example and demeanor very much may often depend. Keep 
this always in mind, and look up to Christ for gracious help. 
Feel with, and for your husband, in all his parochial and con- 
gregational interests, as well as in those which are simply 
domestic — they ought to be inseparable. Cultivate a deep 
and personal piety. Imitate the holy women of old, and let 
your adorning be like unto theirs: St. Peter can tell you what 
that is.^ 

^^1 rejoice in your lot; I can see the hand of God in it. 
This is a token for good to us all. 

^^Go, dear Mary, to your husband's house; and may the 
presence and blessing of the Lord go with you: I commend you 
to his holy keeping, with confidence. Faithful is He that hath 
promised, and He will do it. We shall have pledged our 
vows at the table of the Lord, at this interesting period: 
may this strengthen and animate our hearts to serve and trust 
him. On this day the Spirit was poured out on the primitive 
church with great power, — may we this day receive the earn- 
est of his love in much simplicity. 

^^Grace, peace, an4 mercy, be with my beloved daughter, 
and with her affectionate father, Legh Richmond." 

* 1 Pclcr iii; 3; 4, 5. 



280 MEMOIRS OF THE 

The year after the marriage of his daughter, Mr. Rich- 
mond availed himself of a visit to Scotland, to make a short 
excursion to the North of Ireland. We can furnish the reader 
with no other particulars than are contained in the subjoined 
letter to his friend Mr. Higgins, of Turvey Abbey. 

"My dear Sir, — Owing to some domestic circumstances 
connected with our dear daughter's confinement, indisposi- 
tion, and recovery, we have been detained here beyond our 
expectations; but in our absence, we think and talk much of 
our Turvey friends, and anticipate the restoration to their so- 
ciety with much pleasure. During my wife's more retired 
occupation of nursing and superintending household affairs in 
Glasgow, I have had interesting opportunities of seeing dis- 
tricts of much beauty and curiosity. I have again visited 
StafFa and lona, and several other of the Western islands. 
I have also seen the Giant's Causeway, and the highly roman- 
tic and sublime coast of Antrim in Ireland, includmg a jour- 
ney of seventy miles by land to Belfast. 1 was very glad to 
find that amidst all the misery and mischief of many other 
parts of Ireland, one district in the North is very quiet, and 
comparatively comfortable. I travelled in an open vehicle 
until midnight, without fear or danger. But not so, had I 
traversed the territories of Captain Rock. The North of 
Ireland is chiefly Protestant, although not exclusively so. I 
had the opportunity of observing there, as in Scotland, that 
in exact proportion to the universality and superiority of the 
school education of the children of the poor, good or bad con- 
duct prevails in the different districts. With mental attain- 
ments and useful instruction, an elevation and stability of char- 
acter, and a happy adaptation of mind to circumstances is 
generally formed. Subject to occasional exceptions, I feel 
confident that the three kingdoms will owe their future and 
final prosperity to the great advances and improvements made 
in general education. Nothing can more illustrate this fact 
than the comparison between Scotland and Ireland, and the 
contrasted districts of educated or uneducated Ireland and 
Scotland with each other. For in some of the remote islands 
and Highlands of even Scotland, much is yet to be done. 
You would not be sorry that the Popish question was lost in 
parliament, neither was I: I am convinced that we are safer 
as we are, although equally convinced that many good men 
most conscientiously think otherwise; but I was glad when I 
saw the result. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 281 

"From my children's account, the boys are going on very 
well with Mr. Ayre, and I trust will improve much under his 
tuition. May God be pleased to enable us to bring them up 
in ^tbe nurture and admonition of the Lord;' and to see them, 
as much as possible, preserved from the abounding snares and 
evils of the corrupt world in which their lot must be cast. 

''The beauty of nature, and its accompanying scenery, 
is now great indeed. I cannot convey to paper the magnifi- 
cence of the mountains, the loveliness of the plains, the subli- 
mity of the rocks, the splendor of the ocean, the diversity of 
the islands, the wonders of basaltic columns, the awfulness of 
the caves, nor the combinations of effects produced by them 
altogether. I cannot depict the numerous ivy-girt ruins 
of feudal castles, nor the groves and woods of the mansions 
and villas of lairds and lords; but you know something of 
them, and must conceive in imagination what your friend is 
unable to describe. My great desire is to seek and find God 
in them all, and to adore him there." 

About this time, the church at Turvey was inspected by the 
archdeacon, who was pleased to express his high approbation 
of the neatness and good order with which every thing 
appeared to be conducted.* The church is a singular build- 
ing having three chancels annexed to it. In one of these are 
the monuments of the Mordaunts; the middle chancel contains 
the font and communion table; and the third was used for the 
evening instruction of the schools, where Mr. Richmond cate- 
chised and preached to the children. A most appropriate 
selection of texts is inscribed on the walls of each of these 
chancels, as well as in the body of the church, chosen by Mr. 
Richmond with great care, and exhibiting a complete system 
of divinity. ''I wish," said our excellent friend, "when I can 
no longer preach to my flock, that the walls should remind 
them of what they have heard from me. The eye, though 
wandering in thoughtless vacancy, may catch something to 
affect the heart." 

We regret that we cannot convey to the reader an adequate 
representation of the interior of Turvey church. The admira- 

* We feel called upon, in this place, to bear our testimony to the zeal and 
persevering" labor of Archdeacon Bonney, in restoring- the churches, under his 
superintendence, to a state of order, decency and necessary repair, which 
was greatly needed. They now exhibit the appearance becoming- the char- 
acter of the Christian Sanctuary; and we cannot but express our wish; that 
so laudable an cxamj)le were generally imitated. 



282 MEMOIRS OP THE 

ble order of the texts, which display both the taste and piety 
of the departed rector, might afford a model for similar 
arrangements in other churches. 

The following are extracts from a letter written to his 
daughter F at this period: — 

'^London, June 1, 1822. 

"Fully as I can enter into the beauties of works of fiction, 
yet I exceedingly dread their tendency. The utmost caution 
is requisite in meddling with them. The novelist I unequivo- 
cally proscribe, and many of the poets, and their poems, 
which are only nets to catch young minds in the maze of 
Satan. It is a maxim in regard to books, as well as com- 
panions, that what does not improve y invariably injures. Few 
things in this world are merely negative and harmless: they 
either do us good, when sanctified by the Spirit; or they do us 
harm, by stealing our hearts from God. Even the beauties 
and wonders of nature, in an unsanctified mind, excite nothing 
beyond natural affections — pleasure and surprise. If Christ 
is not sought for in them^ we rise no higher than mere tourists, 
rhymists, and painters. Whether we eat or drink, or travel, 
or read, or converse, or philosophize — all, all must he done to 
the glory of God,"^^ 

Hitherto, we have only incidentally mentioned Mr. Rich- 
mond's exertions in behalf of the British and Foreign Bible 
Society. But it was not likely that an institution, character- 
ized by so catholic a spirit, and by a design so grand and 
comprehensive, should fail to find in him a zealous and per- 
severing supporter. He was, in fact, disposed to believe that 
men never thoroughly understood^ nor rightly felt the true 
spirit of Christianity, till they acquired it through the instru- 
mentality of this society; and that such was the force of early 
and deep rooted prejudices, and so unhappy were the divisions 
and mutual alienation which they inspired, that apparently no 
other mean could have been devised for allaying their unchris- 
tian antipathies. Not that he was insensible to the excel- 
lency and importance of his own creed and forms, yet he by no 
means thought it was a necessary conclusion, that, because we 
deem our own standard to be best, every other is consequently 
erroneous; or that genuine religion is so restricted to one 
indispensable form and interpretation, that, where men are 
agreed as to its essentials, any difference of opinion, however 
conscientiously held, could justly merit the grave charge of 
heresy and error. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 283 

That he knew how to defend his own principles, whenever 
called upon to support them, we shall adduce the following 
anecdote. — 

Mr, Richmond once met the late Rev. Andrew Fuller, the 
well known secretary of the Baptist Missionary Society, 
at the house of Mr. Livius, at Bedford. The conversation 
turned on the ritual of the Church of England. Mr. Fuller 
remarked, that ''it assumed the sincerity of the worshipper, 
and indiscriminately attributed to each the language of true 
devotion, which he considered to be a defect." ''How would 
you frame these services?" said Mr. Richmond: " the church 
presumes, in the judgment of charity, that all her worshippers 
are sincere, and forms her ritual on this principle. If they 
are not sincere, the greater is their responsibility." ''But the 
fadj^^ said Mr. F. "is otherwise; and charity, unsupported 
by fact, is misplaced." "How would you remedy the defect?" 
rejoined Mr. Richmond. Here the conversation was inter- 
rupted, the time being arrived for family worship. Mr. Rich- 
mond, on this occasion, expounded a passage of scripture, and 
Mr. Fuller concluded with prayer: after which the former ob- 
served, with a smile, "Your prayer. Sir, is liable to the same 
objection which you make to the services of our church. 
Your petitions for pardon and grace, your acknowledgment 
of guilt, your hope and confidence in God, were all generally 
offered up without qualification, as expressive of the feelings 
and sentiments of the whole assembly." "How would you 
have me pray?" said Mr., F. "Precisely as you did," replied 
Mr. Richmond: "but you must no longer adhere to your 
objection; for you were not warranted in believing, except in 
the judgment of charity, that all the members of the family 
were sincere worshippers. You have this night authorized 
the principle on which our services were constructed, by your 
own example." 

Mr. Richmond's public labors in the cause of the* Bible 
Society were rather occasional than regular; his tours being 
for the most part taken for the Church Missionary and Jewish 
Societies. But his services were willingly offered, whenever 
opportunities occurred, and few speakers were heard with 
more acceptability. He also often made voluntary excursions 
of a smaller extent, to assist in the formation of branch Bible 
Societies; and he usually attended the annual meetings of the 
auxiliaries to the present institution, within his own neighbor- 
hood, where he was allowed to be one of the most efficient in- 
struments in their establishment and confirmation. 



284 MEMOIRS OF THE 

In tlie month of August 1822 he was appointed by the 
committee of the Parent Society in London, to accompany 
one of their secretaries (Dr. Steinkopff) to Chichester, Ports- 
mouth, Southampton, and the Isle of Wight. The recollec- 
tions of his former residence were too strongly associated with 
all the early events of his ministry, not to render the proposal 
highly acceptable to him. 

We venture to make a few extracts from his journal at this 
time, being the last we shall have occasion to notice. We 
trace in them his usual taste for the beauties of nature, with 
a glowing spirituality and devotedness of heart. 

JOURNAL. 

''Mg, 27, 1822. Saw views of the Isle of Wight. 
What associations crowd upon my heart! Arrived at Ports- 
mouth. Joyfully and affectionately received by my old friends, 
Mr. and Mrs. T. in the dockyard. Talked over old times — 
about the Isle of Wight, Brading, Bembridge, Sec. 
- "I intreat thee, O my God, to sanctify this season to my 
soul and to the souls of others! May this visit be a blessing. 
Time is going on — eternity is at hand. Strengthen my heart, 
head, and tongue, and keep me from evil. 

''•' — -28. Looked with peculiar recollection on the tower in 
the dockyard, where I conversed with the emperor of Russia, 
in June 1814. Went to the Bible Society. Well supported. 
Good feeling. I enlarged on my former intercourse with the 

Isle of Wight. Dined with Sir George G . Proceeded 

to Southampton. Profitable conversation with Dr. S. on the 
necessity of retirement and prayer, in the midst of public and 
official duties. My affections greatly exercised to-day by 
the topics of my speech — never more so. 

''Lord guide me in this pilgrimage. Keep my heart — 
give me judgment — direct my tongue — preserve me from sin! 

'' — 29. Went to the Bible Meeting at Southampton. 
I told the miner's story.* A poor widow brought an interest- 

* The story to which he alludes is very affecting". In one of the Newcastl' 
collieries, 35 men and 41 boys died by suftbcation, or were starved to deaii. 
One of the bo3^s was found dead, with a Bible by his side, and a tin box, 
such as the Colliers use. Within the lid he had contrived to engrave, with 
the point of a nail, this last message to his mother: — ''Fret not, my dear 
mother, for we are singing the praises of God while we have time. Mother, 
follow God more than ever I did. Joseph, think of God. and be kind to 
poor mother.'' Mr. Richmond brought the box from the North, and in his 
mode of communicating this affecting incident, used to awaken feelings of the 
most lively interest. — See YouWs Magazine, vol. vii. p. 24. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 285 

inggirl, named Mitchell, about eighteen, to acknowledge with 
tears of grateful affection, how much she was indebted to the 
tract of 'The Young Cottager,' for a change of heart and 
hope. She showed a simplicity of character that affected me 
greatly. Sailed to Cowes. Proceeded to Newport. I am 
once more in the Isle of Wight — God bless this visit. My 
heart yearns over this spot. Lord sanctify all things to me 
and to thy children! and daily add to the church such as shall 
bb saved. 

''JVeivporty Aug. 30. Met Robert Wallbridge,=^ and 
talked about his sister and father. Attended the Bible Meet- 
ing. Entered at large into Isle of Wight feelings. Much 
affection manifested. Proceeded with Dr. S. to Ryde. He 
left me, to proceed to Portsmouth, after an affectionate farewell.! 

'^ k. number of persons came in the evening, and joined us 
in family prayer. Dear John W. and his wife full of kind- 
ness and holy affections. I expounded and prayed. Mr. 
Butterworth was there. It was an affecting season. How 
my heart feels these scenes and interviews! Lord, sanctify 
all this to my own soul! The Brading pulpit is offered me 
for Sunday morning. 

''Aug. 3L {Saturday.) Fixed to have a Bible meeting 
on Thursday next. Set out with my daughter Fanny, and 
went through Brading, to Mr. L.'s cottage at Sandown. All 
the way, felt strong associations. Every tree, hedge, gate, 
house, revived them. Went to Shanklin, to the Chine. Ex- 
quisite views. Dined in the Chine. Returned through Bra- 
ding. Was much affected on reading many grave-stones — so 
many that I once well knew! Drank tea with the curate. 
Finally settled that I should preach to-morrow at Brading. 
The bells ringing for me. Found an invitation to preach to- 
morrow at Ryde also. May my soul be directed into all 
truth. I felt much while sitting in the Brading vicarage parlor 
— so many domestic recollections! Returned to Ryde. 

Sept. 1. (Sundaij.) A most affecting day. Went, after 
breakfast, to Brading. Before church, saw many friends, 
who most affectionately greeted me. Preached from Psalm 
Tiii, 4 — 'What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the 
son of man, that thou visitest him?' Church most crowded. 
I was much affected by the whole scene. Mr. T., the cu- 

* This was the brother of his Dairyman's daughter. 

t Mr. Richmond's Journal contains many expressions of the wannest esteem 
and Christian regard for Dr. S., which dehcacy alone prevents us from in- 
serting. 

25 



286 MEMOIRS OP THE 

rate, acted in a very friendly manner. After many interesting 
circumstances, went to Ryde, and preached there in the after- 
noon. Dined with Mr. and Mrs. P. At eight, went to Mrs. 
Y., at Bank Cottage, where a multitude of people heard me 
expound and pray. How many gave me the affectionate right- 
hand of fellowship! Mr. and Lady Harriet W., Mr. Butter- 
worth, kc. there. I expounded from John vii, 37 — 'In the 
last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, 
saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink.' 

"What scenes are these! How far removed from the 
pomps and vanities of this world! 

''Sept. 2. Went to Brading. Shewed Jane's cottage to 
Fanny.* Called on numbers of people. Much friendly and 
kind reception at Brading: religious and devotional feeling 
in every direction. 

" — 3. Went to Bembrido-e. Interestino; in the ex- 
treme. Saw old Mr. G. dying, and happy in death. Call- 
ed at the G.'s. Found the whole family full of love, af- 
fection, and piety. Went to Mr. K.'s, and various others. 
All respect and affection. Ascended Bembridge Down: the 
finest prospect in the island. Dined at Mrs. M.'s. Had 
a delightful religious party in the evening. Exposition and 
prayer. Settled to have a distribution of tracts at Bern- 
bridge, on Thursday, if fine. 

"God grant me grace to go through all these affecting 
scenes profitably to myself and others! 

" — 4. Explored former scenes with much interest. 
Many associations during this excursion. Lord, sanctify 
them ! 

" — 5. A day much to be remembered. After break- 
fast, went with Mr. Butterworth, &.c. to distribute tracts, 
according to promise, at Bembridge Point, to which I had 
invited all the population of Bembridge. The most affecting 
and affectionate scene ever witnessed. Such meetings, wel- 
comes, congratulations, smiles, tears, salutations, from some 
hundred persons — men, women, and children! It is indelibly 
imj)re"ssed' upon my mind, and beggars all description. 
,--^'H^d nAny proofs of past usefulness. God bless this day 
TOjpae-5&rtd pij^ny! On returning home, found a delightful letter 
from my d^ar** wife, about the Isle of Wight: God bless and 
preserve her. Dined at six, with a Christian party. Ex- 

'* The scene of one of his interesting narratives. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 287 

pounded 23rd Psalm. Oh! that this day may be remembered 
for good! 

^'Sept. 6. Visited Robert Wallbridge and Mrs. A. 
Had much useful conversation about the Dairyman's Daugh- 
ter. She gave me a lock of her hair. We v^^ent to Arre- 
ton Church, and visited her grave. 

" — 12. A day to be much remembered. On this day 
twenty-five years since, I first read Mr. Wilberforce's book 
on Christianity, in my little study, in the vicarage house at 
Brading; and thence and then received my first serious, and I 
hope saving impressions! 

^^A memorial stone vras this day put up over the grave of 
little Jane, the young cottager — my first convert and seal in 
Brading. Multitudes attended — old and young, from all the 
vicinity. Her parents bent, vs^eeping, over the grave. What 
did I not feel! We then adjourned to the cottage where she 
lived and died, and I distributed a number of 'Young Cot- 
tager' tracts to the inhabitants and neighborhood, who came 
in throngs to receive them. A truly affecting scene! 

''Sept. 18. A stone was this day put up for the Dairy- 
man's Daughter, in Arreton church-yard. 

^Post tot naufragia tutus. 
'To God be all the praise.' '^ 

The extent of his engagements, during this period, may be 
conceived from the following brief extract of a letter addressed 
to an esteemed friend. 

''Ryde, September 11, 1822. 

^^Unless you were with me, you could have no idea how, 
from before six in the morning 'till past twelve at night, I 
have been, and am occupied. But mostly, I trust, for good. 
. The spiritual scenery exceeds in interest even the natural. 
I wish I could tell you half of what I see and feel here. To 
night we have a Tract Society meeting in this town. On 
Friday I preach on board convict ships, in Portsmouth har- 
bor: on Sunday, in churches at Portsea; and on Monday, 
one or two public engagements at Southampton, whence on 
on Tuesday I go to town. 

''My heart's prayer and desire is, that all your beloved 
circle, lay and clerical, male and female, elder and younger, 
may enjoy grace, peace, and love. I shall think of you on 
the shore of my beloved island, and add you all to the group 
of objects, which endear it to my heart. 
^^Rev. L. Lockeij, Saiulown, Me of Wis;ht.''^ 



288 MEMOIRS OF THE 

After preaching several times to large congregations, he 
took an affectionate farewell of his numerous friends in the 
Isle of Wight, and shortly afterwards addressed the following 
pastoral letter to his parishioners at Turvey. 

Portsmouth, September 19, 1822. 

"My dear Christian friends, — My heart has never lost sight 
of you^ while I have been receiving such affectionate tokens 
of the love and regard of the dear people in the Isle of 
Wight, as have melted my heart almost beyond any thing I 
ever experienced. I have had such daily opportunities of 
seeing, doing, and receiving good as I think I never enjoyed 
before. It has been a time of revival, love, joy, peace, and 
brotherly kindness. They think and talk of you, and pray 
for you, and feel towards you as brothers and sisters, for my 
sake, as well as for the Lord's. Not only are many of my 
old friends continuing in the ways of God, but many others, 
whom I used to labor among, are become serious; and the 
children and grand-children of my former friends came around 
me, in large groups, for a word and a blessing. I went one day 
to a part of my old parish, where religion most prevailed, and 
sent word that I should be glad to shake hands with as many 
as would come down to the sea shore, where I sat upon a 
rock. More than five-hundred men, women, and children 
came, and I gave each a tract and a blessing. It was a 
scene full of deep and trying affections. I can never describe 
it, or think of it, without ardent feelings. We have put up 
grave-stones to little Jane and the Dairyman's Daughter.=^ 
Some hundreds attended, and the tracts were distributed 
that respect those dear persons. It was a time of great 
feeling, and a tribute of much love was paid to the graves 
of the deceased. Some were there weeping with gratitude, 
in having been brought to God through the reading of those 
very tracts. 

"The father and mother of little Jane were at the grave, 
while the stone was putting up. We then went to the 
house where she died, and the 'Young Cottager' tract was 
given to every one that came. It will be^ sweet day of re- 
membrance to me, for it took place on September 12th. On 
that very day, twenty-five years ago, I^ first received my 

* See 'Christian Guardian/ October 1822, for a further account of this 
transaction. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 289 

own serious impressions, through reading a book,* and little 
Jane was the first fruits of my change of principles. 

"A nursery girl, who lived with me at the time of my 
leaving the island, is come fifty-five miles on foot, on purpose 
to see me here, and to thank me as the instrument of her 
conversion, while she was my servant; and to-morrow she sets 
out to walk fifty-five miles back again. I did not at that 
time know that she was under any religious impressions. 
She was then fifteen years old. God be praised for his 
mercies! 

^'I left the island yesterday, with strong feelings. I preach 
here on Sunday, and above thirty persons are just arrived 
from the Isle of Wight, to see me once more, and to say 
Farewell in the Lord. I beseech you to love one another, 
labor for each other's good, live in peace, try to win souls to 
Christ. Pray for me that I may return to my dear people of 
Turvey with a blessing from above, for their sakes, and my 
own. Farewell in the Lord, Your affectionate pastor. 

Legh RiCIIMOxVD. 

On his return to Turvey, he addressed a highly respected 
friend, and parishioner in the Isle of Wight. 

^' Turvey, December b, 1822. 

"The remembrance of the days and hours which we spent 
together in the Isle of Wight is very refreshing to me. I 
hope that the numerous meetings which we enjoyed, have been 
profitable to not a few of those who assembled together. My 
daughter and I frequently look back upon the two days passed 
at Bembridge and Brading, when the tracts were distributed, 
and the grave-stone put up, with such affection and gratitude, 
I think they will never be forgotten by many. I did feel a 
lively hope, that so much seed would not be sown in vain, and 
that the Lord would give a blessing to such means as I 
trusted he had put into our hearts to employ. My affections 
for the island are founded upon many of those circumstances 
which you will remember in our younger days. It was there 
that my own heart was first made acquainted with the infinite 
value of immortal souls and of the difficult office of a Christian 
minister. It was there that those means of grace were enjoyed, 
which have been since felt and remembered by some, as ^*tiraes 
of refreshment from the presence of the Lord." It was there 
that I met with the Dairyman's Daughter, the Negro Servant, 

* Mr. Wilberforcc's work on Tractical Christianity.' 

25^ 



290 MEMOIRS OF THE 

and the Young Cottager, and with my respected friend, John 
Whaler. These, and many more events, bind my heart to 
the place with very tender ties. When you see our friends 
at Bembridge, tell them how much I feel towards them. 
Some of them are the children of my early ministry; others 
are their children; and others again have been brought 
to the knowledge of the truth, through the Lord's blessing 
upon instructions established and blessed when I first knew 
them. These are strong ties for spiritual regard. I pray, 
my dear friend, that you may grow in grace, and in the 
knowledge of the Lord. He that has accompanied you thus 
far in your way, will not leave nor forsake you. He is the 
same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever. Cast your care 
upon him, for he careth for you. The promise is to you, and 
to your children, and to as many as are afar off, whom the 
Lord shall call. Let me hear from you soon. May grace, 
peace, and mercy be with you and yours. Pray for me and 
mine, and believe me, faithfully and affectionately, your friend 
in Christ, Legh Richmond. 

"Mr John Wheler, Ryde, Isle of Wight:' 

We have already alluded to the illness of Mr. Richmond's 
son, Wilberforce. Symptoms of a consumptive nature had 
been gradually developing themselves; and it was at length 
deemed highly expedient that he should visit Scotland, and be 
committed to the care of the Rev. James Marshall, his 
brother-in-law. It was hoped that the effects of a sea 
voyage, and change of air, and the benefit of Dr. S.'s advice, 
who had been remarkably successful in several instances of 
consumption, might possibly arrest the progress of this in- 
sidious disorder. 

Mr. Richmond did not, on this occasion, imitate the 
worldly prudence of some persons, who labor to conceal from 
the patient, the danger of their state, and with a mistaken 
kindness prohibit the introduction of religious subjects, from 
fear of aggravating the disorder. With a heart alive to the 
eternal interests of his child, he addressed to him the following 
letters. May the perusal of them aftbrd an instructive lesson 
to all who are placed under similar circumstances, and teach 
them never to forget, that "one thing is needful" for others as 
well as for themselves; and that the wisdom, which would 
endeavor to save the perishing body, at the risk of the 
immortal soul, is an act of treachery the more criminal, in 
proportion as its consequences are irreparable and eternal. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 291 

Turvey, June 12, 1824. 

^^My dear Boy, 

"I have, as I mentioned to you the other day, for some 
time wished to press upon your attention the important 
subject of the Lord's Supper; and, as in the case of each of 
your sisters, I found that some epistolary correspondence 
afforded a liberty and facility of communication in the first in- 
stance, I trust you will not object to adopting a similar mode. 
A time of relaxation from your studies, and of indisposition, 
may afford you good opportunity for such a purpose. It will 
be exceedingly gratifying to me to receive some simple, 
faithful account of your state of mind, views, feelings, and 
desires in connexion with the privileges and duty of comme- 
morating the dying love of Christ to sinners. I wish to 
receive you at the table of our Lord, both as your affectionate 
father in the flesh, and your still happier father in the spirit, 
with principles enlightened, and heart warmed with a Saviour's 
mercies. Approach me thus, my beloved son, and write to me 
with a free confidential heart. I feel the most lively interest 
in your spiritual welfare, far beyond what my ordinary 
manner may betray. — You are arrived at an age, when I 
wish you to become my bosom friend and companion in all 
things, but above all, in those things which belong to everlast- 
ing peace. I have sometimes feared that other subjects have 
somewhat monopolized your thoughts; and yet I have the 
firmest hope that your mind is truly sensible of the value and 
importance of divine things. I trust you are constant in 
prayer, and that your affections are unfeignedly directed 
towards divine truth. I cannot express to you how much this 
belief comforts and strengthens my mind. It is allied to 
every feeling and wish which I have so long and so anxiously 
cherished, in regard to your future character, as a minister of 
the Gospel of Christ. None but God knows how intense my 
solicitude has been upon that point. It is high time that you 
should, by the open act of communion, devote yourself to the 
Redeemer's service, and look upon it as a pledge for your 
inward principles, and outward practice. You should at- 
tentively examine the sacramental service in the Liturgy, and 
always have a book of experimental and devotional character, 
more or less in private reading. It must ever be kept in re- 
membrance, that the mere literary discussional study of theo- 
logy, however valuable and needful, is a distinct thing from the 
affectionate work of the heart in the exercises of the con- 
science in the soul. I am earnest that my dear child should 



292 MEMOIRS OF THE 

enjoy all the privileges of the church of Christ, and adorn them. 
Search for the evidences of a renewed heart daily; come as a 
lost, undone sinner, and may you taste that the Lord is 
gracious. Beware of the world's temptations and levities. 
We should all feel that time is short, and eternity at hand, 
and be prepared accordingly. The regular partaking of the 
Lord's Supper, when rightly viewed, has a tendency to cherish 
the best affections of the soul, and to preserve both young and 
old from the dangerous delusions of the world, the flesh, and 
Satan. Let the communication of these thoughts excite you 
to self-examination, meditation and prayer. My love and re- 
gard for you are great indeed; my own heart is wrapt up in 
the prosperity of yours. May all your studies be sanctified to 
the glory of God. May you noiv enjoy a portion of those 
pleasures, which are at God's right hand for evermore. — 'The 
blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin.' How delightful a 
thought for you and for your affectionate father, 

Legh Richmond." 

Tinn-eif, June 22, 1824. 

'^My very dear Child, — I present you with this book, for the 
express purpose of your keeping a journal and diary, not merely 
of passing events, as they may occur, but of the thoughts of 
your heart upon divine things. I earnestly entreat you to do 
this: I recommend it from long experience as a most bene- 
ficial exercise. It is perfectly secret to yourself and God. 
No one can ever see it without your own knowledge and con- 
sent. But such records have been so useful, so consolatory, 
and so improving, that I make it my paternal entreaty that 
you will comply with this request. Suspended in uncertainty 
with regard to your health and strength, my soul is most anx- 
ious for your spiritual good. Trifle not, delay not in this mat- 
ter. Press forward to the mark and prize of your high call- 
ing. Review the past thoughts of your heart, — examine the 
present, — anticipate the future. You are in God's hands. 
I trust the everlasting arms are underneath you. Let me 
entreat you to open your mind also to me, in frequent corres- 
pondence. I cannot express my solicitude for your spiritual 
welfare. You know all the principles by which a sinner may 
be saved; you have known them from your infancy; may they 
be the ornament of your youth. Rest short of nothing but a 
well grounded conviction of your personal interest in Christ. 
There is a rich provision in him for every possible difficulty and 
deficiency which can present itself to your thoughts. Oh, how 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 293 

does my heart burn to see you, in every sense of the word, a 
true Christian. In a former note, I invited you to the Lord's 
table. Happy, thrice happy shall I be to see you there; 
added to the number of the Lord's flock. 

Since writing the above, I have received yours. I thank 
you from my heart. Go on, as your strength and opportuni- 
ties will allow, by a little at a time; but give me as much of 
your thoughts and feelings as you can. Tell me of your past 
years, and early leadings and convictions; tell me more of 
those things which you have named in former letters. You 
cannot oblige me more, than by giving me the history of your 
heart at various periods. I have known too little of you, my 
dear child. Let that ignorance on my part cease. I have 
loved you from your birth, and watched over you till now, with 
the tenderest affections, but I feel my own deficiency in not 
communing more with you on the state of your mind in the 
sight of God. Comfort me now by frequent intercourse on 
these matters. It is the very return of all others which I 
desire for all the past anxieties of a father and a minister. 
May this journey be blessed to you both in soul and body. I 
trust soon, with God's blessing, to see you again. In the 
mean time, I commend you to Him, who has all events in his 
hands, whose consolations are neither few nor small, who gave 
his Son to die for your sins, and whose compassions fail not. 
Be much in prayer and self-examination. The God of the 
waves shall protect and guard you; the God of the land shall 
comfort you. But seek him aright: trifle not with the great 
concern. How joyfully shall I welcome you at the Lord's 
table, if God so will. Adieu for the present, my child, my 
friend, and, in Christ, my brother. Legh Richmond," 

^'Turveij,June 30, 1821.. 
^^My ever dear Son, — I thank you for your letter, and am 
glad to hear again from Mr. Marshall that you have borne 
your travels so far well. You are never out of my thoughts, 
and I follow you in imagination through every scene of your 
occupation. But there is an eye that beholds and watches 
over you, in a way that I cannot do. To Him I confide and 
commend you, for sickness and health, for time and eternity. 
What a word, what a thought is eternity. What prospects 
does it set before us! What inconceivable mysteries are in- 
volved in it! How does it make the things of time dwindle 
into insignificance ! But what questions of unspeakable import 
are involved in it! Sin, corrupt nature, a broken law, an of- 



294 MEMOIRS OF THE 

fended God, eternal punishment; consciencCj guilt, regenera- 
tion, salvation by Christ; faith, hope, love, free grace, unde- 
served mercy, justification, effectual calling, adoption into 
God's family, pardon of sin, consolation in Christ, heaven and 
glory. These, and a thousand accompaniments, are all con- 
nected with the idea, and the reality of eternity. What a 
sad proof of the depravity of our hearts is our indifference 
towards thinking, and our backwardness towards speaking 
upon those things which belong to our everlasting peace; and 
which, nevertheless, if neglected, involve our eternal ruin. 
We need warnings, and the Lord sends them in many ways. 
Sickness, pain, bereavements, losses, disappointments, all bring 
their message with them. The great question between a 
soul and God is not whether we admit the truths of the Scrip- 
ture into our understandings, but ivhether they are so applied 
to our hearts as to have wrought a change^ and become vital 
principles of faith ^and practice. Nothing short of this can 
afford evidence of a saved and safe condition. There is an 
action of the soul by which it rests upon Christ, and all that 
he has done, with full confidence; and this produces peace in 
the conscience. The more we see of ourselves, the more we 
see our sin; and the more we see our sin, the more we fly to 
the death and righteousness of Christ, for pardon, deliverance, 
and hope. We behold not only his sufficiency, but his will- 
ingness to save the chief of sinners. For this we love him; 
and if we love him, we desire and endeavor to keep his com- 
mandments; and this is the way of salvation. 

"Now, does my dear boy view this in all its integrity? Do 
the experiences of the past, strengthened by all the variety and 
succession of instruction which you have from your infancy re- 
ceived, work together to this great end? Can you be satis- 
fied with any thing short of this? God forbid! Let nothing 
interrupt you in this continual work of self-examination; and let 
self-examination lead you to earnest and ardent prayer. Let 
DO pursuits of literature, no delights of sense, no passing oc- 
currences, no debility of body, no inferior subjects of recrea- 
tion, prevent you from keeping your thoughts close to God and 
to eternity. Great have been your mercies, may your grati- 
tude be great likewise! 

"Accustomed as I am to close and faithful dealings with my 
Christian friends and flock, it would ill become me to be silent 
or indifferent where my dearly beloved child is concerned. 
Sickness gives both you and me a wholesome admonition. I 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 295 

pray God, from the depths of my heart, that we may each of 
us improve it to our spiritual welfare. God may have great 
things to accomplish hereby: let us believe and hope so. 

"I had much pleasure in shewing you London; and if Prov- 
idence permit, may yet have more, in viewing the fine scenery 
in your present vicinity, along with you: but whether amongst 
the beauties of art or nature, never, never cease to look for 
and contemplate the God both of creation and redemption in 
the midst of all. Keep a continual watch over your disposi- 
tion, temper, and thoughts. There are not only sins of the 
temper, but of the understanding also; and pride in every 
form, intellectual as well as sensual, must be brought low. 
^Learn of me,' said the Saviour, 'for I am meek and lowly of 
heart.' I write, as I would talk with and pray for you. May 
this dispensation of the Almighty, which has for the present 
separated us, and given us cause for much anxiety on your ac- 
count, be a season of much profit to us all! Lay these 
things to heart, make them the subject of unceasing petition 
at that throne, whence no believing supplicants are ever sent 
empty away. Wonder not that I cannot rest contented with a 
superficial religion, but that I look for a deeply experimental 
life of God in your soul. I place time and eternity before me 
in holy imagination. I strive, as it were, to penetrate the 
veil which separates them, and to look earnestly at those 
things which belong to your and my everlasting peace. For- 
give me, my dear child, and may God forgive me, if I have 
not always and equally pressed these subjects upon your per- 
sonal attention. They have ever lain near to my heart, and 
you have had multiplied opportunities of meditating upon them. 
I trust you have done so. But let me know more and more 
of your thoughts, past and present. My Christian and par- 
ental peace is dependent greatly upon it. I am glad that our 
friend Dr. Stewart has had so good an opportunity of study- 
ing your case. You are in the Lord's hands. May he 
overrule every thing for your good. May our confidence be 
placed only where it is due; and pray for your father, and your 
father shall pray for you. Amongst the books in your travell- 
ing library, are many most valuable authors. Read, mark, 
learn, and inwardly digest what they say, so far as you find 
time and strength to peruse them. Above all, search the 
' Scriptures, for in them you have eternal life. Your mother 
sends her entire and most aifectionate love to you: your sisters 
and brothers the same. And what shall I add for myself ^ 

m 



296 MEMOIRS OF THE 

All that is tender, affectionate, parental, and Christian, from 
your father, L. R." 

In the month of July, Mr. Richmond joined his son in Scot- 
land, using every means for the restoration of his health. 
During a short interval of separation, he addressed to him 
another letter, expressive of the same ardent desire for his 
spiritual welfare, and written in the same delightful strain of 
warm and affectionate feeling. 

Bradford, Aug. b, 1824. 
'^ My dear Wilberforce, — 
We have so long been fellow-travellers and pilgrims together, 
and my eye and my heart have been so long accustomed to 
watch over you, that I cannot help wishing to indulge my af- 
fectionate feelings, by giving you a few lines during this short 
separation, which, short as it has been, never ceases to pre- 
sent my dear boy to imagination and recollection. I have 
reason to think, and perhaps the fault is my own, that you are 
but imptifectlij aware of my strong and anxious feelings to- 
ward J oil, with respect both to your temporal and spiritual wel- 
fare. I sometimes fancy I see this in your manner, and it 
hurts me. I say little, or probably nothing; but my heart is 
alive to great sensibilities. Rest assured, my much-loved 
child, that at all past periods, but most especially since it has 
pleased God to put your health, and of course with it your life, 
to so marked a trial, I have not ceased for a single hour (and 
I can hardly except the dreaming hours of the night,) to make 
your comfort and prosperity the subject of my prayers atd 
solicitude. When you may least have suspected it from my 
ordinary manner, even my silence has spoken to God in your 
behalf. Many and deep have been my meditations, as we 
ascended the hills, and descended the vales of Scotland; or as 
we plowed the waters with our prows and paddles. I have 
often experienced a kind of stupid impotency of utterance, 
when my heart has been animated and full. You likewise 
manifest a sort of reserve on the subject of personal religion, 
which checks, and sometimes chills, my rising inclination to 
more unreserved, free, congenial, and comfortable conversa- 
tion. I wish all this to vanish; and that whatever may be the 
will of God concerning you, the future days which his provi- 
dence may permit us mutually to spend together, may be more 
distinctly marked by free and affectionate communications. 
JBut far far above all, it is my cherished and anxious hope that 



REV. LEGH RICHMOx^D 297 

you may evince an increasing love to spiritual things, to read- 
ing, conversing, and meditating upon the things w^hich belong 
to your everlasting peace. You have had your warning as to 
the delicate and precarious tenure by v^hich life, health, and 
youthful vigour are held. Every day and hour still reminds 
you of the uncertainty of all things future, so far as this vs^orld 
is concerned. And such warnings are unspeakable mercies, 
designed by God for the most wise and benevolent purposes. 
^'The season of amended health, and present suspension of 
painful and distressing symptoms, is precisely that in which your 
heart should exercise peculiar jealousy over itself, lest the 
comparative trifles of this world, and the ensnaring affections 
of the flesh, should deaden your feelings about the grand ques- 
tion, 'What are the evidences of my salvation? What have 
I done, what must I do to be saved?' Other studies than 
those directly religious, maijj doubtless, have their due and 
subordinate place. Other books than the Holy Scriptures, and 
their expositions, may also have their moderated share of our 
attention; but if any human study or any human book, have 
more of our love and attention, than those which directly lead 
our hearts to God, something must be very wrong. Idols force 
themselves upon our notice every where, and lawful things may 
become idols by the abuse of them, and the suffering them to 
usurp the first place in the heart's affections. Never be con- 
tented with slight and general hopes of all being right within, 
but seek and strive after clear and particular evidences, that 
you ^know whom you have trusted,' for time and eternity. I 
earnestly entreat you to examine yourself daily on scriptural 
principles, that you may the more ardently throw yourself on 
the mercy of a covenant God for the forgiveness of your sins, the 
renovation of your heart, and the guidance of your judgment. 
Never be satisfied with an avowedly imperfect Christianity. 
A half Christian is no Christian, nor is he accepted of God. 
Christ is a whole, perfect, and finished Saviour; and whoso- 
ever is a partaker of Christ, is a partaker of all that he is, 
all that he has done, and all that he will do, for the complete 
salvation of all his chosen. Decency, formality, and cold cer- 
emonial worship, are poor and inefficacious substitutes for 
heart-service, holy affections, trust in a Saviour, and love to 
God. Not unfrequent are the times, and your dear mother 
often experiences them also, when the immensity of that ques- 
tion, 'Am I his, or am I not?' overwhelms me; and I should 
sink in despondency, if the pure, undeserved, and inexpressible 
mercy of God did not direct my soul to the Redeemer's Blood, 
26 



298 MEMOIRS OF THE 

which, when believed in, and applied to the guilty and trem- 
bling conscience, cleanseth from all sin, and opens the door to 
hope and consolation. May my beloved child flee to the same 
fountain with genuine humiliation, and find the like deliverance: 
and may his anxious parents be made so far partakers of his 
thoughts, as to feel strong in the Lord on his account. My 
mind was much affected when I first received you at the table 
of the Lord, and my heart went out in lively prayer, that you 
might also be received of God — owned, honored, and accept- 
ed, as a child of heaven. Live, speak, and act as a consist- 
ent communicant of the church; the vows of the Lord are upon 
you; but if all be right, you will find that his yoke is easy, and 
his burden light. I wish to look upon you, not only as my 
child by nature, but as my spiritual child, and therefore 
(without a paradox) my spiritual brother. Sweet associations 
of relationship are formed in the family of God and the house- 
hold of faith. Many tender and affectionate prayers have 
been daily offered up for you amongst the poor people of Tur- 
vey, as I have several testimonies to prove. We shall soon 
return to them again, God willing; and may those prayers, 
united to my own, be fully answered in the gracious state of 
your soul, as well as in the comfort of your bodily health. 
But we must, as to the latter, await the Lord's will. He 
doeth, and will do all things well. Meditate on these things, 
and may you and I mutually reap the benefit of such exercises 
of your heart. As you read this letter, cherish a tender as 
well as a dutiful sentiment towards him who penned it, and 
accept it as one more token of that deep-seated love which I 
bear towards you, and which must increasingly subsist, while 
/ remain a father, and you a son. 

'^I yesterday enjoyed the high mental luxury of walking in 
the broad aisle of York Minster, quite alone, during the 
morning service. As often before, such sights and such 
sounds compelled me to weep; and as J was solitary, nothing 
interrupted the flow of my heart. I recollected being there 
once with you, and I have not forgotten how much, if I mis- 
take not, your infant heart was also affected at that time. 
Whether we shall ever again meet together, in that magnifi- 
cent and astonishing fabric, I know not; but, oh! may God 
grant that we finally meet in the 4iouse not made with hands, 
eternal in the heavens.' " 

The summer and autumn were spent in Scotland, in various 
excursions, both by land and sea; but after various alterna- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 299 

tions of hope and fear in this treacherous and delusive disor- 
der, they returned together to Turvey, without any decided 
amendment in the dear invalid. 

The period at length approached, when this interesting 
youth, the subject of so many prayers and fond anticipations, 
was to be removed from this earthly scene. The wasted form, 
the hectic look, the sunken eye, and the increasing difficulty 
of respiration, all denoted that the hour of dissolution was at 
hand. He looked like a tender flower nipped in the bud; but 
it was a flower soon to bloom in the paradise of God. His 
Christian graces had been gradually unfolding, and his mind 
carried through a state of anxious inquiry and close examina- 
tion, till it was able to rest in full confidence on the grace and 
mercy of God in Christ Jesus. He discovered the most 
earnest desire for solid peace and comfort, both as to the 
ground of his hope, and its necessary evidence. 

To a friend, who frequently visited him, he said, "I wish 
to be under no mistake or delusion, in a matter of so much 
importance as the salvation of my immortal soul. Tell me 
where you think I am defective in my views, or wanting in the 
experience of their power. Deal faithfully with me, do not 
deceive me; pray for me, above all, that I may not deceive 
myself." 

To the writer, a fortnight before his death, he expressed 
himself as follows: '^I trust I have the Christian's hope, but I 
want more of it. I want more of that hungering and thirst- 
ing after righteousness, which the Saviour has promised to 
satisfy — which we ought to have at all times; but which, if we 
have not in death, what is our hope, and how xian we be pre- 
pared to die?" 

The last visit was still more affecting: it was only two days 
before his end. He was sitting in an arm chair, supported with 
cushions, and seemed to be in a very exhausted state. His 
father sat opposite to him, in whose countenance was depicted 
the struggle of nature and of grace; — of nature, for he was 
about to lose his child, — of grace, for that child was already 
on the very threshold of glory. In another part of the room 
were three or four of his brothers and sisters, some of them in 
tears. ^' Speak to this dear boy," said the father, address- 
ing himself to me, ^'and question him about his hopes." 

I sat down at his side, and taking him by the hand, said, 
"Can you, my dear boy, pass through the valley of the shadow 
of death, and say with David, ^I fear no evil?'" ^'Yes, I 
trust so." "What is the ground of your trust?" "It is. 



300 MEMOIRS OF THE 

because his ^rod and his staff thej comfort me.' My hope 
rests on Christ alone." '^Have you no doubts to be re- 
moved?" ''I had many misgivings, but God has mercifully 
taken them all a^ay." ''Is your heart wholly and suprtme^ 
ly set upon God? Do you truly love him?" ''I hope I do, 
but J wish I loved him more." ''Do you feel weary of sick- 
ness?" "I feel more weary of sin, and long for the time 
when it will be laid aside for ever." "Does the prospect of 
glory animate and support you, and is the holiness and bless- 
edness of heaven the subject of your meditations?" "Yes, I 
have been thinking of it with great delight this very morning, 
and almost seem to have entered within its blessed abodes." 

I then read to him that beautiful chapter in the Revelations 
(the '2'2d), descriptive of a state of glory. His attention was 
peculiarly arrested. After I had finished, "This happiness," 
I said, "will soon be your's and the portion of all who are the 
Lord's." Then gathering his brothers and sisters around us, 
I requested him to bear his dying testimony to the value of the 
Gospel in this trying hour. 

He spoke tenderly and affectionately to all; the marks of 
approaching dissolution, gave an inexpressible interest to the 
whole scene. Then, particularly addressing himself to his 
brother Henry, he observed — "My dear father once hoped to 
see me a minister in the church. It has pleased God to dis- 
appoint that hope. Do you fulfil it, in my place, and be a 
comfort to my father, when I am gone." 

Three days afterwards, Jan. 16, 18^5, his happy spirit 
took its flight to the mansions of the blessed. 

The writer of this memoir fulfilled the last solemn offices. 
The occasion was peculiarly impressive and affecting. 

The following letters are pleasing testimonies to the piety 
of the departed child, and the resignation of the bereaved 
parent. 

Tun-ey, Jan. 25. Id25. 
"My much loved Son, — Amidst many arduous struggles be- 
tween nature and grace, sorrow and joy, anxiety and consola- 
tion, I wish to express a few of my feelings towards you. A 
vprv few thev must be, compared with the volume of emotions 
which agitate my heart. But thanks be to God, grace, peace, 
and mercv have been so abundantly inscribed upon the whole 
of this affecting transaction, that I ought solely to be occupied 
in songs of praise to God, for all his goodness to me and mine. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 301 

The delightful enlargement of heart, the liberty of tongue, 
the humiliation of soul, the affectionate tenderness, the sweet 
serenity of mind, the dignity of sentiment, the laboriously ac- 
quired intimacy with the Scriptures, the earnestness to speak, 
to exhort, and comfort each and every individual, the devo- 
tional spirit, the clearness of doctrinal views, and their blessed 
application in imparting solid peace and comfort, in the pros- 
pect of dying, all of which illustrated and adorned his latter 
end, were beyond my most sanguine expectation: it was, and 
shall be, matter for joy and gratitude. 

We have now found letters, some of them near four years 
old, and others written while he was in Scotland, beautifully 
descriptive of his state of mind; while the conversations — 
close, deep, and searching — which I enjoyed with him during 
the last fortnight, produced the most convincing demonstra- 
tions that he had been ripening for glory, beyond our thoughts 
and imagination. For a season, he was reserved towards 
me, relative to personal feelings; but at length, of his own 
accord, he broke out like the sun from behind a cloud, and 
light diffused itself over the whole moral and spiritual land- 
scape. 

''It was gratifying to me to find that the humiliation of his 
spirit was precisely such as I particularly wished to see it. 
For four or five days previous to the arrival of my wife and 
Fanny, God so mercifully ordered it, that he said every thing 
to me, and I to him, which I could possibly have wished. 
Our whole souls, on almost every topic of feeling, opinion, 
confidence, faithful dealing, and unreserved affection, were 
mutually opened. Oh! they were sweet days.. The pressure 
of weakness, disease, and pain often afterwards interrupted 
our lengthened communications; but sweeter and brighter still 
were the intervals of ease and short conversation. Many 
witnessed his lovely testimonies, and none can ever forget 
them. 

^'Two hours and a half before his death, he went to bed, 
and laid his head upon the pillow. I said to him — 'So he giv- 
eth his beloved rest.' He replied, 'Yes; and sweet indeed 
is the rest which Christ gives.' He never awoke from this 
sleep: but when we dreaded, from past examples, a painful 
waking, he imperceptibly went off, in perfect peace, without a 
sigh, or groan, or struggle, or even oj^ening of the eye. I 
did not suppose it possible for any death to be such as this. 
Peace, rest, gentleness, faith, hope, and love, all seemed to 
^26 



302 MEMOIRS OF THE 

be the characteristics of his mind and of his dissolution. Oh! 
what love, what mercy, what grace! 

''One of the most remarkable circumstances attending him 
was, his secret and deep exercise of heart and study of the 
Scriptures, beyond my own supposition, owing to his reserve 
and silence. I saw much that I loved and admired, but I was 
not aware of the half. Our feelings are much tried in propor- 
tion to the endearing nature of our past and recent intercourse. 
But, as he often said, 'I know whom I have trusted,' and 
this relieves and consoles me. He was deeply impressed with 
the idea that his removal was designed for the spiritual good 
of others. I think it is manifest already, in more instances 
than one. 

''The whole village has been much in prayer and weeping, 
for some weeks past, and the tenderest affections have pre- 
vailed throughout: it is a season of much love. 

"On Sunday, Mr. Ayre will preach a funeral sermon for 
our dear boy; and a beautiful hymn of Bishop Heber will be 
sung by the congregation. 

"Give my tenderest love to dear Mary. Comfort her 
heart; and may the peace of God, which passeth all under- 
standing, keep hers and your heart." 

''To the Rev. James Marshall:^ 



"My ever dear Child,* 

a # * :jt: 



'Turvey,Feb.6, 1825. 



"And now to the subject which occupies by far the greater 
part of my thoughts, by day and by night. I should find it no 
easy task to describe the state of my feelings. No previous 
event of my life, with the exception of what passed during 
your beloved mother's dangerous illness, near ten years since, 
ever exercised my heart like this. And as that illness ter- 
minated favorably, the circumstances no longer assimilate. 
Dear, blessed boy, I watched over and cherished his infancy, 
childhood, and youth, in sickness and in health, for eighteen 
years, with no common measure of parental feeling. I de- 
lighted in his superior mind; endeavored to check its errors, 
and to cherish its virtues; and too fondly hoped that he might 
have been spared as an ornament to the sanctuary. From 
the beginning of last summer I went on pilgrimage with him, 
both for his soul and body's sake. God alone knows what I 
endured, in the inmost thoughts of my heart. But the Lord 

* Mrs. Marshall. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 303 

was ordering all things well, beyond what I conceived. The 
most valuable intercourse which I enjoyed with him during our 
Scotch residence, was in those hours after breakfast, when, as 
you may remember, I used to read, talk, and pray with him, 
previous to his receiving the sacrament at Greenock. I then 
saw many lovely testimonies of his state of mind. After his 
return home, he was more reserved as to the personal ques- 
tion, although ever ready to converse on the general subjects 
of religion, and that with much clearness and precision. But 
at length the sweet sunshine broke from the cloud, and filled 
the horizon most beautifully. We poured out our whole hearts 
to each other, and mutually blessed God for the liberty of feel- 
ing and language which we obtained. I felt much when he 
had just departed, but I think I feel more now. A thousand 
spiritual questions press upon my conscience and consideration. 
Regrets, convictions, meltings, hopes, fears, doubts, resolu- 
tions, anxieties, joys, retrospections, anticipations, all mingle, 
all exercise, all agitate my heart. It was his declared and 
solemn impression, that his death was to be as life to others. 
Thank God I see it so, both in the house and the parish — an 
important work is going on in both, beyond former precedent. 
I have not seen the like before, to the same extent. Blessed 
be God! 

''Dear Willy told me, on the Monday evening before he 
died, that Mr. M — — 's affectionate attentions to him had 
never been exceeded by those of a real brother; and that he 
should love him dearly as long as he lived, and 'much longer,' 
he said, 'if such jconsciousness shall be permitted. And dear 
Mary,' he added, 'how kind she was to us all, last summer! 
I shall not see her again on earth, but I trust we shall meet 
hereafter!' Our last Lord's supper was a very affecting and 
trying one: the family kneeled around the grave, to which we 
had recently committed the mortal remains of one so dear. I 
stood upon the very spot; and dear Henry, for the first time, 
came weeping, trembling, and rejoicing, to supply his departed 
brother's place. I could hardly have conceived that after so 
long meditating upon the probable removal of my child from 
this mortal scene, I should have had such exquisitely trying 
emotions to undergo. How little we know ourselves until our 
principles and feelings are put to the proof!" 

Some months after this afflicting bereavement, the editor 
was called upon to unite Mr. Richmond's third daughter, Hen- 
rietta, to the Rev. John Ayre, his friend and curate, now the 



304 MEMOIRS OF THE 

classical tutor of the Church Missionary college, at Isl- 
ington. 

It was a great solace in the midst of his affliction, to unite 
his child with a gentleman whose principles he cordially ap- 
proved, and who was in full possession of his confidence and 
esteem. 

The following letters were addressed by Mr. Richmond to 
his son-in-law and daughter previous to their marriage. 

'' Turvey, July 6, 1825. 

^^My dear Henrietta, — Take, my beloved child, a father's 
blessing, prayers, best wishes, and approval of your affection- 
ate project. I hope the matter is of God, or I could not say 
what I have done. The apostolical rule is to ^marry only in 
the Lord;' and every Christian should be guided by it. Earthly 
affection, however powerful, is not of itself a warrant for the 
nuptial union. Where passion drives the steeds by which the 
vehicle of our plans and endeavors is carried forward, we 
may expect, sooner or later, an overturn. But when the 
heavenly Spirit of truth and peace guides and governs our 
machinery of conduct, all is right and safe. Now I am full 
of hope, from Mr. Ayre's and your letters, that this is the 
case. Real Christianity as a foundation, with personal esteem 
and affection, united to congeniality of feelings on all import- 
ant subjects, as a superstructure, will ever make the marriage 
union a source of happiness for both worlds. 

'^I am disposed to concur with you in thinking that my es- 
teemed friend's principles, acquirements, talents, and steadi- 
ness of character are good pledges of his success in life; and 
as Providence, not design, first brought you together, and 
seems to have guided you both, I feel myself justified in join- 
ing my consent and sanction to the future realizing^ of those 
views which form the subject of his and your letters to me. 
May constancy, faithfulness, and reciprocal love, characterize 
your attachment, and adorn your conduct. Let prudence, pro- 
priety, and consideration, regulate all your behavior, during 
the interval which must naturally elapse, before all is conclud- 
ed. Keep in mind the dignity as well as the kindliness of the 
Christian lover; courtship and marriage are honorable in all, 
when principle and grace direct our choice. May you prove 
a blessing to each other, and may the love of God be shed 
abroad in both your hearts!' " 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 305 

'^My dear friend^ — Of all human connexions and projects, 
none appears to be of more importance than that of marriage. 
Whatever is valuable in private life, whatever is prosperous 
in public life, whatever is scriptural in spiritual life, and what- 
ever is momentous in eternal life, has a deep foundation laid, 
in the economy of providence and grace, in marriage. It should 
be built upon the purest principles of faith, hope, and love. 
It unites two souls for time and eternity. It educates souls 
for the church of God. It forms, or reforms, or deforms char- 
acter. It blesses or it curses. It makes happy or miserable. 
It brings every precept of religion into active exercise. There- 
fore, when rightly undertaken, ^^marriage is honorable in all." 
You, my friend, I am persuaded, are convinced of these truths, 
and I doubt not wish to prove it in the present instance. 

''I trust the providence of God is in the matter, and that 
you and my dear child will be guided for the best in every 
thing connected with the subject. My prayer is that grace 
may reign throughout, and that you may prove helpmates 
to each other in your pilgrimage through this to a better 
vforld. 

"My heart often sinks within me, when I see how little 
solid, sterling vital piety, manifests itself even amongst many 
creditable Christians. I the more earnestly pray for myself, 
and for all belonging to me, that we may walk circumspectly, 
redeeming the time amidst evil days. How much more of the 
Spirit's influence do we all need! When I look back upon a 
half-century of rational existence, I blush and take shame to 
myself. ' How much done which I might wish undone; and 
not done, that ought to have been done. The Publican's 
prayer is mine, and will alone suit me, even to my dying 
hour. 

"Farewell, for a short interval, and believe me, affection- 
ately, your's, Legh Richmond." 

''Rev. John Ayre, Turvey, Olney, Bucks J^ 

The marriage between Mr. Ayre and Mr. Richmond's 

daughter H ~, took place in the beginning of July. The 

affection displayed by the villagers on this occasion was truly 
gratifying to the feelings of the family. When the party 
arrived at the church, they found the walls decorated with 
evergreens, and the pavement leading to the altar strewed 
with flowers. Two hearts, formed with the heads of flowers, 
and the words "May God bless you!" traced in the same 
manner underneath, exhibited both the taste and the affection 



306 - MEMOIRS OF THE 

of the parish clerk. This rustic attempt at elegance, so 
unsought for and unexpected, was a pleasing testimony to the 
interest excited in the parish, bj every event connected with 
their beloved pastor. 

Mr. Richmond did not suffer his daughter to leave her 
paternal roof, without expressing his solicitude for her future 
welfare, by addressing to her a series of admonitions from 
which we select the following. 

^'1. Keep a devoted heart to God in the least and most 
common transactions of every hour; as well as in those 
events which may seem to call the loudest for manifestation of 
religious conscience and principle. 

^'2, Pray regularly and frequently for grace to live and 
die by. 

^'3. In every possible circumstance keep in mind that 
God's eye is upon you. 

^^4. Beware of forming hasty judgments of characters; 
and above all of hastily uttering sentiments and remarks to 
their disparagement. Be known for charity, forbearance, and 
kindness. 

"5. Keep Christ's golden rule, in constant remembrance. 
It is the Panacea for most of the evils of this life, so far as 
they are connected with social intercourse. 

'^6. Avoid all prejudices against nations, churches, sects 
and parties. They are the bane of both public and private 
charity and comfort; and are directly contrary to the spirit 
and letter of Christianity. You may and ought to have con- 
scientious, well-grounded preferences, but not one half-formed 
ill-formed prejudice against any, 

"7. Be courteous to all, friendly with few, intimate with 
fewer, still ^^crictly confidential with fewest of all. 

"8. Choose female intimates, as opportunities may pre- 
sent them, with circumspection. Many civil, hospitable, 
agreeable people are, after all, not improving companions. 
We may owe and pay them the debt of civility, kindness, and 
gratitude, and yet not be obliged to give them too much of our 
voluntary time and affection. Two or three t7*uly Christian 
women comprise a circle of large and profitable friendship — 
seek — and may you succeed in finding them. 

"9. Be not contented with any thing short of deep, 
devoted, diligent, decided seriousness. Make not the too 
numerous half-hearted, and decent but dubious Christians 
your pattern for imitation. Let your mark and standard be 
very high, and your aim be steady and determinate. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 307 



ai 



^10. If you and your husband happen to differ in opinion 
and feeling- upon any point, remember whom you have prom- 
ised to love, honor, and obey. This will settle all things. 

"11. I trust your heart is taught in the real school of 
Christ. Inquire with much prayer into this, day by day. 
Trust not to past privileges, education, or experience. Seek 
for present evidences, such as would comfort you under sudden 
alarms and distresses, should they occur. Study your own 
character and disposition, as drawn from a review of your 
whole past life; and often carry to the Lord, in prayer and 
confession, what results from such self-examination. 

"12. Study and observe great simplicity and plainness \n 
dress. A clergyman's wife should be a pattern of simplicity 
in that particular. It is a just outcry against too many pro- 
fessing females, that they are much too showy and gay in 
their outward apparel. — Remember the Apostle's injunction on 
this important subject. 1 Peter iii. 1 — 6. 

"13. You are bidding farewell to your father's house, as 
the home of your infancy, childhood, and youth — Yet the 
remembrance of that home will be dear to you for life, 
wherever your new home may be situated. I repeat — re- 
member the religious principles of your father's house, at all 
times, and in all places; may they prove a guide to you in life, 
and a consolation in death. Christ has been freely and 
fully made known to you. Let Christ be your ally now, 
hereafter: for ever!" 



^ ) 



We have already mentioned the disappointment of Mr. 
Richmond with respect to his eldest son Nugent, and the 
choice made by the youth of a seafaring life. We now 
resume the subject of his history. 

He had been employed in different merchant vessels, 
sailing from Bencoolen, Calcutta, and other parts of India, to 
the Isle of France and Gibraltar. From the latter place, he 
wrote to his father in the years 1820 and 1821, strongly 
urging a meeting between them. His letters had been 
expressive of much affection, contrition for the past, and 
sincere desires of amendment. Several persons, who had 
opportunities of observing him, bore pleasing testimony to the 
change of his character and conduct. Among these were Mr. 
Chater, a missionary at Ceylon; Mr. Rees, another mission- 
ary at Gibraltar; and Lieutenant Bailey, R. N. of the same 
place, who gave a decisive proof of his confidence by entrust- 



303 MEMOIRS OF THE 

ing him with the care of his son. The officers under whom he 
had served also spoke highly of his attention, and general 
propriety of behavior. 

The following interesting letter gives an afiecting description 
of a shipwreck which he suffered, and the state of his feelings 
under those awful circumstances: — 

''Calcutta, Julyl, 1824. 

^'My dear Father, 

*'VVe left Calcutta in May, and proceeded as far as 
Saugur island, on the Morning of the !26th, when the weather 
began to look very unsettled. Another ship, and a large brig, 
were in company with us. On the evening of the 27th, about 
an hour before dark, the Oracabessa began to drive. A 
perfect hurricane ensued, and such a sea got up, that the ship 
was continually burying herself under water, which prevented 
the people from working forward. We could now do nothing- 
farther — every thing having been attempted to avoid the 
dreadful fate that seemed to await us. I seized this opportu- 
nity to go down to my cabin, to pray to the Lord for his 
divine assistance and protection. In the midst of my prayers 
and tears, the ship struck on a sand at a quarter before nine 
o'clock; with such a shock, as to throw down several persons, 
and make me stagger on my knees. 

^ 'Every thing was now in confusion, as the ship continued 
striking very hard. There was nothing but one wild surf 
around us, and a raging sea beating all over, — the wind 
blowing a complete hurricane. However, in two hours an 
excellent raft was made, capable of carrying from thirty to 
forty people. As the flood made, we again struck violently, 
and the ship sprung a leak. But as every thing was now in 
readiness to meet the worst, we anxiously waited for day 

light. 

In the meantime, I again went below, and prayed with 
heart and soul to Almighty God to save us. My prayers 
were answered sooner than could be expected; for a certain 
something, a kind of comfortable thought, seemed to arise 
within me, and say, 'Thy life shall be saved!' And not all 
the shocks, seas, or wind, afterwards, could make me think 
or fear the contrary. Surely there never was a greater proof 
of the Lord being with us: it animated and comforted me, 
and made me work and exert myself with double energy. 
During a great part of this time it rained violently, with thun- 
der and lisfhtnino;. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 309 

^^Long wished-for daylight at length came; when, having 
put a few small things into the boats, we abandoned the un- 
fortunate ship, making our way through dreadful breakers; in 
which, had the boat touched, we must inevitably have per- 
ished." 

In another letter, written about the same time, he re- 
marks : — 

'^Oh! my good father! no one can conceive the horrors of 
shipwreck, but those who have experienced them. Many 
grateful and heartfelt thanks to that divine Providence, that 
has again saved me from a watery grave! 

"In this unfortunate occurrence, 1 have lost every thing. 
My loss in private speculation is 3500 rupees. My books, 
furniture, and wearing apparel, together with 'The British 
Encyclopedia,' are all gone, and amount to a considerable 
sum. I saved nothing but a very small trunk, in which, prior 
to my leaving the ship, I put my Bible and the 'Annals of the 
Poor,' with two suits of clothes and my watch. How my 
hopes and expectations are frustrated! Oh, that all this may 
be for my good! I have now to begin the world again; and 
hope to do so in reality, and in more respects than one." 

Nugent arrived at Calcutta in a most destitute state. 
Through the great kindness and benevolent exertions of the 
Rev. Mr. Thomason, to whom he made himself known, a sub- 
scription vs^as raised for him, out of respect to his father, 
amounting to 100 guineas, by means of which, he was provid- 
ed with necessary comforts. 

This calamity was rendered the more distressing to him, 
by its occasioning the suspension of his marriage with a young 
lady at Calcutta, of pious character and principles, to whom 
he was engaged. Anxious to repair his past misfortunes, 
he obtained an eligible employment on board another vessel; 
and likewise a promise, on the part of the young lady, that 
if his circumstances enabled him to marry, she would unite 
herself to him on his return. 

His new speculations having proved successful, he once 
more returned to Calcutta, full of the image of the happiness 
that awaited him, and disposed to forget the past, in the 
brightening prospects of the future. But who shall describe the 
bitter anguish of his mind, when, on presenting himself at the 
well known house where he had left his intended bride, he found 
the family in deep mourning, and received the melancholy in- 
27 



310 MEMOIRS OP THE 

telligence of her death. She had been seized with a fever, 
which carried her off a few days before his arrival! 

While Mr. Richmond was paying a second visit to the Isle of 
Wight, in August 1825, to recover the shock which his health 
and spirits had sustained from the death of his son Wilberforce, 
some indistinct rumors reached him respecting that of his son 
Nugent. He had received communications from him, stating 
his intention to revisit England; and declaring that the two 
happiest days of his life would be, '^first, when he should see 
again his dear parents, after so long an absence; and the 
second when he should be weaned from the danger of tempta- 
tion." Mr. Richmond was anticipating his return with much 
delight, when he heard the report of his having died on his 
voyage homewards. Every inquiry was made to ascertain 
the truth of this rumor, and the father's heart was again filled 
with the most anxious disquietude. 

In this year Mr. Richmond went to Bristol, Gloucester, 
Cheltenham, Worcester, and Hereford, to be present at the 
anniversaries of the Jewish Auxiliary Society. On his return 
to Turvey, he wrote the following letter to his eldest daugh- 
ter, in Scotland, — a child very dear jto his heart, and one who 
well knew how to sympathise with his sorrows, and to share 
them with him. 

Turvey, Oct. 25, 1825. 

^'My dearest Mary, — I have lately been present at an in- 
teresting meeting of the Jewish Auxiliary Society, at Bristol. 
You know my companions in this journey: I feel better for 
it. My strength and spirits have been greatly affected for 
a long time — indescribably so; for it often does not much ap- 
pear to others, at least not in its real extent. Notwithstand- 
ing my supposed readiness of speech, and the overflow of 
tender feelings, which plead for utterance, I am often thought- 
ful, silent and constrained, when it might be better for me to 
communicate more of what passes within. 

^'Our visit to Mrs. Hannah More was a high gratification. 

^^We have been kept in long suspense about poor dear 
Nugent; he was dangerously ill when I last heard of him. I 
have reason to expect a speedy letter now arriving in Eng- 
land. I have received rumors of his having died on his pas- 
*sage home, and am fully prepared for the worst; but do not 
notice what I say until you hear again, as it distresses your 
dear mother greatly. I thank God, I have had many satis- 
factory testimonies of his state of mind, and feel much com- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 311 

fort on that head. Henry and I were three weeks under the 
roof of his intimate and very Christian friend. Lieutenant 
Bailey, R. N., from Gibraltar, now at Cowes; and collected 
many interesting circumstances relating to him. I desire to 
bow to the will of God, in this dispensation of his providence. 
I saw one of his most intimate friends last week, who had just 
come from the East, and had heard a report of his decease. 
I mention these things to you, that, with me, you may look up 
to God for a right state of mind, under all the designs and 
decrees of his will. 

"I have had the satisfaction of obtaining likenesses, very 
nicely executed, in the same style with those of your father and 
mother (in the drawing-room,) of Fanny, Henry, Henrietta, 
and Legh. I wish for yours and Mr. Marshall's, by the 
same hand. My feelings are strong on this subject, and the 
irrecoverable loss of my dear Wilberforce, and probably of 
Nugent render them stronger. It is, I had almost said, a 
blessed art, which can perpetuate to the eye, what affection- 
ate memory does to the heart. In the midst of life we are 
in death, and who can tell what may occur! I honor the art 
of painting much, for the sake both of the dead and living. I 
often look around my study, surrounded as I am by the re- 
semblances of many loved and honored ancestors; and their 
forms on canvass realize not a few grateful recollections of 
infancy, childhood, and youth. I can sigh and weep, and 
smile too, in the solitude of my chamber, when I am still, and 
communing with my own heart. 

"Just as I finish my letter, I cast my eye on Willy's 
walking-stick. Oh! how these relics strike to my soul's af- 
fections! With our two sticks, alas! he and I wandered 
on the shores of Rothsay and the adjoining walks, and in 
many another spot; and now they stand side-by-side, in the 
corner of my study. The partnership of the sticks is pre- 
served on earth, but not that of their possessors: — we are 
separated. Yet, oh! that we may be re-united. Medita- 
tions on this subject often agitate, sometimes console, always 
solemnize my mind. 

"Farewell. Love to your fire-side." 

After the lapse of a few weeks, a letter arrived from the 
Rev. Mr. Thomason, of Calcutta, dated January 23d, 1825, 
stating that Nugent had left that place in July 1824, in a 
vessel bound to the Mauritius: — that ho had been previously 
seized with a fever, from which he was not perfectly recovered 



312 MEMOIRS OF THE 

at the time of setting sail: — that afterwards, being exposed 
to very severe weather, he experienced a relapse — was 
occasionally delirious; and at length, to the surprise of all 
on board, was found dead one morning in his cabin. A little 
ivory box was discovered, containing a few jewels and gold 
chains, which he had intended as presents to his brothers and 
sisters. On the inside of the cover of this box, the follow- 
ing lines were written in his own hand, in pencil^ appar- 
ently a short time before his death: — 

^'Where vice has held its empire long- 
'Twill not endure the least control} 
None but a power divinely strong 
Can turn the current of the soul. 

'•'Great God! I own th}- power divine, 
That works to change this heart of mine! 
I would be formed anew, and bless 
The wonders of renewing grace.'" 

Such is the eventful history of Mr. Richmond's eldest son: 
at once affording a salutary warning to the children of relig- 
ious parents, and encouraging such parents to exercise unlim- 
ited confidence in the promises of God. Let those who 
trifle with their opportunities, and refuse to hearken to 
the counsels of parental piety and affection, mark, in the 
blighted prospects and repeated trials of this young man, an 
expression of the Divine displeasure. For though in the midst 
of wrath God remembers mercy, yet in his inscrutable wisdom 
he often makes a man '^to possess the iniquities of his youth;" 
and in his sore chastisement, keeps alive the penitent recol- 
lection of the sins which he has long since pardoned. Let 
pious parents while mourning over the wanderings of their 
offspring, never cease from the holy importunity of prayer, 
that God would meet the prodigal ^^in his ways," and turn 
him into the paths of righteousness and truth; that, like Mr. 
Richmond, they who have '^sowed in tears, may reap in 
joy." 

A tablet was erected by his father, in the Church of Tur- 
vey, recording the manner of his death. The last four lines 
of the above verses were introduced, together with the follow- 
ing appropriate passage from the Psalms — ''Thou shall shew 
us wonderful things in thy righteousness, O God of our salva- 
tion, thou that art the hope of all the ends of the earth, and of 
them that remain in the broad sea." — (Ps. Ixv, 5.) 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 313 

In reference to the death of his son Nugent, he wrofe the 
following letters: — 

To his daughter^ Mrs. Marshall, Glasgow: 

Turvey, August 3; 1825. 
^^My ever dear Daughter, 

^ w ^ ^ ^ ^ 

"The circumstances attendant upon our dear Nugent's end 
are few and simple. You are aware what a long series of 
favorable accounts of his general behavior w^e have had from 
a variety of quarters. You should know, that from at least 
five religious friends I have received highly satisfactory testi- 
monies of his religious feelings and principles, although he was 
modest and reserved in speaking of himself. I had much infor- 
mation while I was visiting his most intimate friend, Mr. Bailey, 
in the Isle of Wight, (late of Gibraltar,) whose little babe was 
christened Mercy Nugent Richmond. The time of his shipwreck 
seemed to have been one of special prayer and impression. 
He lost his all. He however recruited in some degree; and 
was engaged to be married to an amiable and pious young 
lady. He took a short voyage, and on his return found that she 
had died of a fever, His spirits never recovered that shock. 
He was afterwards appointed commander of a vessel to 
England. The day before she sailed, he fell out of a gig, 
was confined to bed, and lost the opportunity. Twice after- 
wards he was similarly disappointed. At length he sailed in 
a ship bound for the Mauritius, from whence he intended to 
have proceeded to England. 

"Previously to this last voyage he had an attack of fever, 
and went through a severe course of medicine. At the be- 
ginning of the voyage, meeting with a heavy gale, he had 
much laborious service. In the course of a very short time 
he became ill, was not unfrequently delirious, but still did not 
excite ideas of immediate danger. One night, he went to 
bed at twelve o'clock, and the next morning at six, to the 
grief and surprise of all on board, was found dead in his cabin. 
The ship proceeded to the Mauritius; and ii was not until her 
return to Calcutta, that our excellent and kind friend, the 
Rev. Mr. Thomason, received the news, and his packages, 
papers, &c. He left, out of the scanty store preserved from 
the wreck of the Oracabessa, one hundred rupees to general 
charitable purposes; fifty to the Bible Society; fifty to the 
Church Missionary Society; fifty to the Society for promoting 
#27 



314 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Christian Knowledge; and fifty to the Religious Tract So- 
ciety. A rupee is about two shillings and six pence. His 
affections for his relatives were very strong. His principles 
of honorable conduct, integrity, pecuniary accuracy, official 
diligence, kind manners, and moral deportment were exem- 
plary. He lived in much esteem, and died much beloved. 
Dear boy! He was snatched from our embraces at the hour 
of his returning to them. He is buried in the depths of the 
ocean. But the sea shall give up her dead, and I trust he 
will then appear a living soul." 

We suspend for a moment the course of this narrative to 
indulge in a few brief reflections. We have now seen Mr. 
Richmond exercised by severe and successive afflictions, com- 
mencing about the year 1814, and continuing, with only occa- 
sional intervals, to the close of life itself. The coincidence 
of these trials with his signal usefulness, is worthy of obser- 
vation. We notice this fact, because it seems to us to illus- 
trate the dealings of God's providence in the government of 
his church and people. True Christians are seldom long ex- 
empted from a state of trial; and the history of the church of 
Christ abounds with evidences in confirmation of this remark. 
The year 1814 was the period of Mr. Richmond's great popu- 
larity and extensive usefulness, which succeeding years rather 
increased than diminished. It was also the period of painful 
domestic anxiety, as it regarded his eldest son, Nugent, and 
the dangerous illness of a beloved wife. After the interval of 
a few years, he is again exercised by the intelligence of his 
eldest son's supposed loss and shipwreck. A short time elap- 
ses, when his second son, Wilberforce, a boy distinguished 
by early grace and talents, to whom he fondly looked with the 
most anxious expectation, declines in health, and sinks into 
the grave. Scarcely had a few short months expired, when 
the rumor of his eldest son's death reaches him, a rumor soon 
confirmed by the event. And yet in each case mercy rejoices 
over judgment, and death is swallowed up in victory. What 
then is the moral lesson conveyed by these dispensations? We 
learn that trial is usually allotted to extensive usefulness; be- 
cause, such is the infirmity of our nature, that for the most 
part, success is not good for man; and therefore, to restrain 
the exuberances of pride, and of self-complacency, and to pro- 
mote the growth of inward holiness, God in his wisdom sees 
fit to send the necessary corrective, that no flesh may glory in 
his sight; that the instrument may be kept lowly and humble^ 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 315 

and its graces be preserved and augmented. — ''Every branch 
that beareth fruit he purgeth itj that it may bring forth more 
fruit, "^^ John xv. 2. 

Providence also sometimes sees fit to select those whom he 
has distinguished by his favors, to be the instruments in whom 
he loves to show forth his own divine attributes, by the char- 
acter of the dispensations with which he exercises their faith 
and graces. Thus in the Old Testament, as well as in the 
New, the most eminent saints, and followers of Christ, were 
visited by the most eminent trials. They were set apart, as 
it were, to be ^'a spectacle to men and to angels." It is by 
dispensations like these that we obtain a deeper insight into 
the divine dealings; and that the church of Christ is taught, 
by the eminency of the example, to adore the power, the wis- 
dom, and glory of God. 

How justly may we apply to Mr. Richmond, on this occa- 
sion, the following impressive remarks of Lord Bacon: ^^O 
Lord, my strength, I have since my youth met with thee in all 
my ways, by thy fatherly compassions, by thy comfortable 
chastisements, and by thy most visible providence. As thy 
favors have increased upon me, so have thy corrections; so as 
thou hast been always near me, O Lord; and ever as my 
worldly blessings were exalted, so secret darts from thee have 
pierced me; and when I have ascended before men, I have 
descended in humiliation before thee. And now, when I 
thought most of peace and honor, thy hand is heavy upon 
me, and hath humbled me, according to thy former loving- 
kindness, keeping me still in thy fatherly school, not as a bas- 
tard, but as a child. Just are thy judgments upon me for my 
sins, which are more in number than the sands of the sea, but 
have no proportion to thy mercies; for what are the sands of 
the sea, earth, heavens; all these are nothing to thy mercies. 
Be merciful unto me, O Lord, for my Saviour's sake, and re- 
ceive me into thy bosom, or guide me in thy ways."^ 

We now resume our subject, and insert a letter to his friend, 
the Rev. H. I. Maddock.t 



^ See Bacon's Works, vol. vii, p. A<. edited by Basil Montague, l.S'27. 

t The name of this excellent man is mentioned in the jonrnal of Mr. Rich- 
mond's tour in the year 1814. He was prematurely snatched from a life of 
usefulness and zeal, beloved and lamented. His end was approaching' at tlio 
time the above letter was addressed to him. JMr. Richmond did not long 
survive him. 



316 MEMOIRS OF THE 

•• Titrrey, D^embtr 3. 1&-25. 

**Mj beloTed Friend and esteemed Brother, — Such you shall 
be called, for such you are and long have been to me. I am 
told how ill you are, and that you are, as it were, vibrating be- 
tween two worlds. The outward man is fast decaying, but not 
so the inner man. Glory to God alone for the past, present, 
and future. You know in whom you hare trusted. He cannot, 
will not forsake you. My heart yearns orer many pleasant 
recollections concerning you. The visions of the past revive. 
O may they unite with those beyond the grave, and may sove- 
reign grace sanctify them bothi We have spent many a happy- 
hour together, cheerful and grave — we have labored together 
in public and in private. We have, I think, loved each other 
as brothers; and when little, perhaps, was written or spoken, 
we have had mutual thoughts of peace, and regard for our 
god-children, our wives, and our little ones. 

''I had pleased myself with the thought of visiting you for 
a week at Matlock, next month; but I fear we may never 
meet again. But shall we not meet hereafter? Lord, bow 
long! 

''When I last parted from you, I had a dear boy with me 
— how dear, no one can tell! You are hastening to the man- 
sions where he dwells. It is not permitted me to send a mes- 
sage, or it should be expressive of ten thousand emotions of 
a father's heart. But Christ is all! And I have lost my 
eldest boy — my sailor boy! But God has found him, and all 
is well there also. Forgive my ramblings. Give me a book, 
some little book — one that contains your name, written in it 
with your own hand. It shall be a cherished memorial — pig- 
nus amiciti(B jiicundissimce. 

'•My regard for you, my brother has not been of a common 
character. I fear you are not strong enough to give me a few 
lines; but perhaps your venerable and respected father will 
do so. I this day saw your very dear friend Mr. Allen. The 
sight of him did me good, although he told me how ill you 
were, beyond what I was aware of. 

"And now, my beloved friend, I commend you to the triune 
Jehovah — Father, Son, and Spirit — to united power, wisdom, 
and love; to the consolations of promise, and the consumma- 
tions of Omnipotence. Faithful is he that hath promised; and 
he will perfect the thing that concerneth you. What a strong- 
hold is this! While you can and may, cherish a tender and 
prayerful feeling for your friend. Fanny shares in all these 
feelings; she can never speak of you but with Christian affec- 
tion. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 317 

"I desire to be most kindly remembered to all that belong 
to you. May the God, whose consolations are neither few nor 
small, overshadow you with his wing!" L . R.' 



?? 



The next letter is addressed to one of his youngest daugh- 
ters, then at school: — 

^'Turveij, December 5, 1825. 

^'My dear Child, — I am much pleased with your letter, the 
more so as it contains some expressions which cherish the 
hope, nearest to my heart, as to your spiritual thoughts and 
feelings. Whilst I cannot but feel most tenderly affected by 
the loss of my two elder sons, endeared to me by a thousand 
recollections and emotions, I become the more anxious for the 
welfare of all my children, whom God yet spares to me. I 
have, for a year and a half past, and especially during the last 
year, undergone a great change in my spirits, and my whole 
system has suffered; but in the midst of all, the inexpressible 
goodness of God has been manifested, and I trust that my 
trials have been blessed to not a few. Many a rose has 
sprung up around the grave of dear Wilberforce, and they 
still blossom, and I trust will do so, until they shall be trans- 
ferred from the spiritual garden of Turvey to the glorious Par- 
adise of God. Our young friend C manifests, in his 

numerous letters, a most decidedly spiritual mind. He writes 
upon the subject of experimental and practical religion in a 
truly delightful and satisfactory manner. And can I feel 
otherwise than anxious that my dear Catharine should add a 
flower to my parochial and domestic shrubbery? Are you to 
arrive at your sixteenth year so soon, and not internally, as 
well as externally, prove that the grace of Christ has not been 
preached to you in vain? I trust not. Religion is not a mat- 
ter of mere ceremonials, nor even morals, but the spiritual 
application of divine truth to the heart, producing those devout 
and moral principles of action, which distinguish the true 
Christian from all others. But where, how, and when, does 
this begin? Not until you have deep, humbling, sincere, and 
anxious thoughts about sin, and yourself as a sinner in the 
sight of God. — Not until this conviction, by a kind of holy 
violence, compels you to flee to Christ as the only refuge from 
the wrath to come. — Not until prayer becomes an action of 
the inmost soul, and the study of God's word a real delight. 
— Not until every other consideration yields to that inlinitely 
important inquiry, 'What must I do to be saved?' — Not until 



318 MEMOIRS OF THE 

the light, trifling, and thoughtless mind of the child of man 
be converted, through grace, to the serious, conscientious, and 
believing state of the real child of God. Now, has this been, 
and is this the case with you"? I speak as a Christian, a 
father, a minister. What are your views of these ail-impor- 
tant subjects? — I wish my child to be deeply in earnest. Life 
flies apace — the period of the tomb advances. I have four 
children there already. It is true I have eight still on earth 
— but how long will there be eight here.'' Who may be the 
next to enter upon eternity ? Think upon these things with de- 
vout affection. You tremble a little even at the thought of 
a school exammation; but what is that, compared with the 
examination of an immortal soul before the judgment seat of 
God? Go, then, as a sinner to Christ; he sends none empty 
away. In him, and him alone, there is a rich provision for 
every coming sinner. But let this coming be a surrender of 
all you are, and all you have, to the Lord of grace and glory. 
Be contented with nothing short of a reality in religion." 

#-^ -^ -i£- -^ 

•Tr 'TV- VV* "TV* 

''To Miss. C. Richmond:' 

We have few materials of public interest during the year 
1826. Mr. Richmond declined in health, and was indisposed 
for much exertion beyond the confines of his parish. We may, 
however, fill up the chasm with his opinions on a few subjects 
connected with the cause of true religion, but which we could 
not notice at an earlier period v/ithout interrupting the narra- 
tive, and departing from the order we had prescribed to 
ourselves. 

We advert with extreme reluctance, and with the most 
painful recollections, to the apocryphal controversy, which 
unhappily for a long time divided and distracted the Christian 
world. Mr. Richmond, with many other conscientious and 
excellent men, at first approved the judgment of the com- 
mittee of the Bible Society, in allowing the circulation of the 
foreign editions of the Holy Scriptures. He considered the 
fundamental law of the society, '^without note or comment,'' 
was not designed to exclude the authorised versions of the 
Continent. He knew that the apocryphal books, though 
attached to the canonical Scriptures, had fallen into contempt 
in our own country; and he was disposed to believe that 
increased light and information, by the circulation of the word 
of God in any form^ would eventually illumine the darkness of 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 319 

men's minds, and enable them to distinguish between truth and 
error. 

We abstain from entering on any unnecessary discussion of 
this question. We confine our remarks to recording the ulti- 
mate sentiments of the subject of this Memoir. 

In the progress of this unhappy dispute, Mr. Richmond saw 
reason to change his opinion; and though the meekness and 
humility of his spirit would not allow him to become a violent 
partisan, he joined in the remonstrances which were made 
to the parent committee, by the greater part of their auxiliary 
societies. On this account he has been accused of vacillation; 
but in our judgment, the manliness which avows an error, is 
much more commendable than the pertinacity which defends 
and persists in it. 

We are far from designing to censure our brethren on either 
side, or of either country, much less to connect the memory of 
our friend with a controversy which has no parallel in the 
history of modern polemics. He deeply lamented the separa- 
tion of the two great Christian communities: ^^the most 
calamitous event," he used to say, "which has befallen the 
church of God for the last century; and 1 fear that feelings 
have been excited between the nations, which it will take 
more than a century to allay." Let us indulge a hope, that 
in this sad foreboding he was mistaken. There is an Almighty 
power which can restrain the wrath of man; and we hope the 
readers of this Memoir will pardon our earnest entreaty, that, 
considering this question to be now set at rest, by the pledge 
so formally given for the future exclusion of the Apocrypha, 
they would henceforth implore the Father of mercies to infuse 
the dove-like spirit of peace and love into the minds of men; 
that they may put far away "all bitterness, and wrath, and 
anger, and evil speaking, with all malice; and speak the 
truth in love; being kind one to another, in honor preferring 
each other, esteeming others better than themselves, being 
pitiful, kind, and tender-hearted; forgiving one another, even 
as God, for Christ's sake, has forgiven them." 

The Society for promoting Christianity among the Jews 
furnishes another subject for remark. A discussion had arisen 
in some of the periodicals, as to the most efficient mode 
of preaching to the Jews; whether the doctrine of the 
second coming of Messiah in his kingdom and glory, and the 
future exaltation, and national greatness of Israel, ought not 
to constitute an indispensable and prominent feature in the 
mode of addressing that people. 



320 MEMOIRS OF THE 

In conversing with Mr. Richmond on this topic, the writer 
one day submitted to him the following question: — 

^'What is the scriptural and right way to preach to the 
Jews?" 

"I know of no scriptural way," he replied, ^^of preaching to 
men, otherwise than as sinners; and why the Jews, whose 
sins are of so aggravated a nature, should be dealt with m a 
different ivay^ I do not see. I would address the Jew as I 
would address any other man, — that is, as a sinner-^ and till 
he is convinced of his sin, he will never believe in a Saviour. 
^Christ crucified,' is declared to be Ho the Greeks foolishness, 
and to the Jews a stumbling-block; but to them that believe, 
the power of God and the wisdom of God.' No man will ever 
feel the power of God, whether he be Jew or Gentile, till he 
learns it at the foot of the cross." 

When speaking of the strong prejudices that existed among 
many in our own church against several of the public institu- 
tions, as contrasted with the expression of popular feeling in 
their support, he observed — ''I am fully convinced that nothing 
is more likely to weaken the attachment of serious and reflect- 
ing minds to the Church of England, than this standing aloof 
from public feeling, as if we had some distinct interest of our 
own, and were insulated from that of the great mass of the 
community." He added, '^In a period peculiarly marked by 
enlarged ideas, and extended efforts for the cause of God, not 
to participate in these views, nor to grow with the growth of 
the times in which we live, renders us liable to the charge of 
being unfit for the age to which we belong, as if we were men 
'born out of due time.' Some persons," he said, 'Hhink they 
are building up the church by encouraging a spirit of hostility 
to these great causes; my own opinion is, that they are over- 
turning it; and that no position can be more dangerous to 
a church, than that which exhibits it in avowed opposition to 
the prevailing character and sentiments of the community in 
which it is placed." 

^'Alluding to some modern religious controversies, I asked, 
''if he did not think that many readers became thereby more 
confirmed in their prejudices?" 

"All are so," he replied, ^'ivho read only one side of the 
question, which is generally the case with the majority of 
readers, and especially of prejudiced readers. They say to 

each other, 'have you read the book of ? It is a most 

able and triumphant work.' In the meantime, they never 
read what is said in reply to it; they consequently view the 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 321 

subject through a partial and distorted medium. But what 
should we say of a judge who examined no witnesses except 
those who were on the same side? We should have no hesita- 
tion in declaring that he perverted the administration of justice, 
and was unfit to discharge the duties of his office; and yet 
precisely the same thing is practised every day in theological 
controversies. The great bane of our church," he observed, 
"is prejudice: many believe without evidence, and decide with- 
out inquiry. Still, the spirit of improvement is perceptible, 
and religion considerably on the increase." 

I asked him, *'how we were to reconcile the increase of re- 
ligion with the acknowledged growth of crime, as evinced in 
our courts of justice?" He answered — ^'Both are true. Bad 
men are becoming worse, and good men better. The first 
are ripening for judgment the latter for glory. The increase 
of wickedness is, in this respect, a proof of the increase 
of religion. ^The devil is wroth, knowing^ that his time is 
short.' " 

The reader will here probably wish to know what were his 
views of the Millennium; and how far he concurred in some 
modern interpretations of prophecy. On this subject he had 
not come to any decided conclusion: he was merely accus- 
tomed to observe, that in the first four centuries such a belief 
was known to have prevailed. He was generally of opinion, 
that the time of great judgments was at hand; and that all 
human institutions, both governments and churches, would 
have to undergo some great purifying process; — that what 
was wrong in either must be rectified; that much, probably, 
would be accomplished, in the way of improvement, by the 
advancing spirit of the age; and that when this spirit was 
resisted, a series of divine judgments (or God's controversy 
with the nations,) would level all abuses in the dust; when a 
a new and better order of things would arise, and Christianity 
become a dispensation of universal holiness and peace. 

Some other remarks deserve to be recorded. 

"What is the mode of proceeding," I said to him, "which 
is most likely to subserve the interests of our own church?" 

"That," he replied, "which is least calculated to lead 
persons to secede from it." 

"And what will best answer that description?" 

"Preaching the Gospel." 

Speaking on the subject of Sermons, "some preachers," he 
observed, "are defective in one most essential part of a 
discourse. They insist with much earnestness on the necessity 
28 



3 22 MEMOIRS OF THE 

of liolinesSj of abstaining from sin, of loving God, Sic. &c.; 
but they never tell their people hoiv all this is to be done. 
They leave out the characteristic features of the Gospel, 
They build, w^ithout first laying the foundation. The doctrine 
of the atonement, and the operations of the Holy Spirit, are 
not clearly and prominently stated. They do not unfold the 
grand scheme of redemption in its sufficiency and fulness; its 
length, and breadth, and height, and depth. What is the 
consequence? The people derive no benefit from this kind of 
preaching; and then ministers vrond'cr that their parishes are 
entered by Methodists and Dissenters!" "How are they to 
be led," I asked, 'Ho see their error?" ''It is the Spirit of 
God alone," he said, ''that can reveal the truth to us, when 
we are in error; but surely they should suspect that all is not 
right, when they thus find their flock deserting them; and that 
a doctrine cannot be sound, which empties the Church, and 
fills the meeting-house. A minister, under these circumstances, 
i( he be sincere and truly conscientious, will be sensible that 
he cannot be in error, without involving others in its fatal 
consequences; and this conviction will lead him to explore the 
higher and more authentic sources of information, the works 
of Cranmer, Latimer, Jewell, Hooker, and others, and to 
become more fully acquainted with the Articles and Homilies 
of his own Church. To these he will not fail to add the 
unceasing and earnest perusal of his Bible, accompanied by 
fervent prayer that a merciful and gracious God will guide 
him to correct and just views of divine truth, and open his 
mind and heart to receive them. And no one," he continued, 
"can be often on his bended knees, imploring the wisdom from 
above, without being ultimately taught of God. He has 
distinctly promised to "give his Holy Spirit to them that ask 
Him." 

In the summer of 1826, Mr. Richmond attended the Nor- 
wich anniversaries; which were the last of his public labors; 
and to which a brief allusion is made in the following letter 
to his son. 

''Yaxhani, Avgvst 15, 1826. 

"My ever dear H , — The Jews' meeting was the 

largest and most interesting of all the three; and the acces- 
sion of regard and approbation from a great many who had 
hitherto been less favorably disposed, was a gratifying event. 
I had on Saturday a most affecting sight of near eight hun- 
dred girls, and one hundred ladies to address. It crowned 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 323 

the whole. Yesterday I preached at Welbourn and Yaxham. 
To day we all dine at Mr. T.'s, to meet Miss C. G., and 
thus will end the delightful fellowship from and at Earlham,* 
for such indeed it has been to us all. Amongst the numerous 
parties which I have met with, on such occasions, never have 
I witnessed such a scene!" 

As the son, to whom the above letter is addressed, was 
shortly about to enter at the University, with a view to the 
ministry, we avail ourselves of this mention of his name, to 
exhibit the paternal solicitude of Mr. Richmond, with refer- 
ence to that occasion. 

'^Cromer, September \, 1826. 

"My very dear Son, — The time for your destination is not 
far off, and the word of counsel becomes the more appropriate 
and needful. From the day wherein you first communicated 
to me your thoughts and wishes about entering into the sacred 
ministry, my eye, my heart, my head, my conscience, my ten- 
derest affections have been steadily fixed upon you, and your 
future prospects- Until that period, and while your dear broth- 
er's health permitted the hope of his becoming a minister, I 
had other thoughts and plans for ijou. Indeed I was not, 
until then, aware that your mind had received that impression, 
which now forms my most anxious hope and desire concerning 
you. For while I never would or could give encouragement 
to prospects of the ministry, unless I thought I discovered 
decided leadings and leanings of mind towards it, so I can 
truly say that my first wish for each of my sons in succession 
has been, from their cradles, that God might fit them for that 
arduous, responsible, and eminent station, a minister of the 
Gospel of Christ, in deed and in truth. The coincidence of 
your making your wish known to me at the very period when 
the lamp of life and hope began to fade, as it concerned your 
brother, and his subsequent decease, struck me as indicative 
of God's will respecting you. From that time I have encour- 
aged the prospect, and neglected nothing intentionally which 
might further your education for that sacred oflice; ever at the 
same time watching attentively your general disposition towards 
Christian experience, knowledge, and conduct. For a man must 
first be a true Christian before he can be a true minister. It was 
with this view that I requested Mr. A. to give you a weekly re- 
ligious exercise. From the day that a youth, on Christian j)rin- 

* The residence of John Joseph Gurncy, Esq., tlic well-known seal of hos- 
pitality; to all who arc engag^cd in promoting- the cause of divine truth. 



324 MEMOIRS OF THE 

ciples, is devoted to the ministry, he ought to become a divinity 
student, and all his studies should bend to the one grand object. 
However valuable in their proper place and connexion, yet in- 
dependently of that connexion, classical, mathematical, philos- 
ophical, moral, logical, and belles lettres, and literature, all 
sink to nothing, and only wean the mind from God and Christ. 
When the heart is right in divine matters, then all other 
things will become so likewise. The next thing to be consid- 
ered in your case, was the usual connexion between the clerical 
office and a university residence and degree. This has pre- 
sented a twofold difficulty to my consideration. The first is 
the doubt and fear, lest the atmosphere of a college life, so 
unpropitious, alike in its gay and its literary habits, to the 
formation and growth of Christian piety, might endanger the 
simplicity and stability of your Christian character. This is, 
however, in a measure overruled by the hope connected with 

the influence of good Mr. S 's ministry, and the number 

of serious young men, from amongst whom, and amongst whom 
alone, I trust, a few confidential and profitable inmates would 
be chosen. Nothing would induce me to send you to college, 
if I did not rely on your maintaining, both outwardly and in- 
wardly, a decidedly Christian walk and profession, regard- 
less alike of the sneers of the scoffer, and the dissipating influ- 
ence of undecided (however agreeable) companions. It should 
be observed that my name stands in a peculiar and somewhat 
conspicuous point of view; and my son's name would be in 
several ways connected with the publicity of his father's char- 
acter. On these subjects I should endeavor to give you here- 
after more detailed advice, if you were to become a collegian. 
In that case I must commit you to the grace of God, and pray 
for you night and day to be preserved blameless and pure. 
The second difficulty connected with a college education has 
been its expense. 

^ ^ "7p ^ tP 

"Remember that your religious attainments are my first 
object, your literary my second. May both go safely hand 

in hand together. 

# :j^ # # ^ 

"And now, take my blessing. You are three sons in one 
to me. Accept a triple blessing, and may the great Three 
in One confirm it. Your welfare lies very close to my heart 
— your prospects in the ministry, if your life be spared, affect 
me greatly. I would far sooner hear you preach a gospel ser^ 
mon from your heart, and visit the bed-side of a sick par- 



UEV, LEGH RICHMOND. 32o 

ishioner, with the language of experimental consolation, than 
see you senior wrangler and medallist, with a cold heart and 
unconverted soul. Think not that I undervalue useful or orna- 
mental literature; for although I regret the monopoly of time 
and labor, which an artificial and very partial sort of literary 
acquirements occasion, in our collegiate courses; and while I 
still more regret the neglect of a theological and religious edu- 
cation, as so prominent a blot in our university plans; yet I 
wish every clergyman to be a well-informed man, having a 
mind stored with useful literature, every particle of which 
should be consecrated to the study of the Bible and the souls 
of men. It is a great comfort that, notwithstanding the par- 
alyzing influence of sensuality and idleness on the one hand, 
and of mere human learning and books on the other, God has 
a chosen people in the university, who are walking in the nar- 
row way that leads to eternal life. If you should go to col- 
lege, may you ever be found with such, and not with those who 
bring their fathers' gray hairs with sorrow to the grave; for 
such would soon be my lot, if you, my loved son, were to 
fall away from the earnest hopes which I have formed con- 
cerning you. Be much in prayer — constantly study your Bible. 
Read daily some experimental and devotional books. Con- 
verse occasionally on the care and conduct of the soul. Re- 
member the poor Christians, and when you can, visit and 
converse with them, as C. does. This is the true school of 
divinity. It was mine before you; may it be yours after 
me." 

After the Norwich Anniversaries, Mr. Richmond proceeded 
to Cromer, a bathing place in Norfolk, for the benefit of his 
health. He had for some time labored under an affection of 
the lungs, which no change of air or power of medicine had 
hitherto succeeded in removing; though he experienced a tem- 
porary revival of strength and spirits by his excursion, and re- 
turned home with improved health. 

But the scenes of his former afflictions renewed the depres- 
sion of his spirits. Amidst the affectionate welcomes of his 
family, he seemed to feel yet more keenly the absence of his 
departed son. He would say, ''No time nor succession of 
events can wean my affections from the chancel vault." 
Though increased tenderness marked his intercourse with his 
remaining children, his heart still wept over his beloved Wil- 
berforce. There was a visible change in his appearance, and 
his family felt cause for alarm. He said little, but his mind 
28^ 



326 MEMOIRS OF THE 

seemed to be greatly exercised. He sometimes repaired to 
the grave of his son; remaining long, absorbed in his own re- 
flections. The silence and solitude of this hallowed spot 
soothed and comforted his mind; 'Hhe waters of healing issued 
from the sanctuary," and be probably delighted to contem- 
plate the blessedness of the eternal world, in such immediate 
connexion with his own dear child. On one occasion, accom- 
panied by his daughter, he sat nearly an hour in deep musing, 
without lifting his eyes from the stone that covered the be- 
loved remains. At length rising, he exclaimed — "Thanks be 
to God, which giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus 
Christ!" 

The writer of this Memoir was requested by his family to 
converse with him on the subject of his sorrows. After a few 
expressions of cordial sympathy, "My dear friend," I said, 
"you are indulging a grief beyond its proper bounds, and con- 
suming all your strength; you will unfit yourself both for pres- 
ent and future usefulness. You are in danger of forgetting 
the living, by a mournful recollection of the dead. God acts 
as a sovereign, he claims nothing but what is his own. You are 
still surrounded by many mercies. The past dispensation has 
been peculiarly blest to your own family. You have another 
son, who will occupy, both in your heart and in the church of 
God, the place that is now made void. Your parish loves 
you; the cause of. God prospers beyond former precedent; you 
have gained more than you have lost, and your child is in 
glory, — would you wish to call him back again?" 

"All is well," he replied, "as it relates to these things; but 
there are times when we are led deeply to consider, not merely 
the trial itself under which we labor, but how far it has answered 
its appointed end. Whether it is sanctified to our own souls; 
— what is the reality of our own hope; — the foundation on 
which we ourselves stand; — the evidences of a renewed mind; 
— and whether we can appeal to the great Searcher of hearts, 
that all is right within." 

"But you have this hope," I said; "why then does it not 
support you with its consolations?" 

"God," he answered, "is sifting me; he is weighing me in 
the balance of the sanctuary. I have been preaching all my 
life to others — how far am I myself interested in these great 
truths ? Yes, God is searching me, and proving me, and seeing 
if there be any wicked way in me." 

"He will do more," I said, "than this, — he will lead you 
in the way everlasting." 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 327 

"God grant it," he replied; "God grant I may have as as- 
sured a hope for myself, as I have for my beloved child." 

The tears flowed down his cheeks during these few remarks, 
and his whole manner evinced the inward conflict and agita- 
tion of his mind. 

The following interesting meditation, which was written in 
the privacy of his study, to which he was confined by indispo- 
sition, will further disclose the state of his feelings : — 

"I am this day staying at home, during divine service in 
the afternoon, owing to a cold, — Mr. Ayre being here to assist 
me. The last Sunday afternoon on which I was similarly de- 
tained, was in December, 1824, with my dear Wilberforce; 
he was then within a few weeks of his decease. This day 
twelvemonth was the day preceding his death. 

"Dear, blessed boy! in the midst of our daily domestic cheer- 
fulness of spirits, now my heart moans and mourns in tender- 
est recollections! I see the dear child in all his debilities of 
body; I hear him speak, — I retrace the look of his eye, — I 
hang upon his spiritual language — his affectionate expres- 
sions, — his devotedness to God, — his faithful admonitions, — 
his languid frame, — his sweet countenance, — his willingness 
to die. 

"I lament my own want of more feeling: and yet I feel 
much. O blessed God! help me; — strengthen me; — save me! 
Make his death to be a source of life to me, through the death 
of Christ, — sanctifying his memory to my soul ! I want to see 
more deep and solemn seriousness amongst my children at this 
time; and yet I know they are not deficient in much good feel- 
ing on this subject. Lord, help, bless, and save them also! 

"My Nugent, too, is since gone — or rather, I have since 
heard it; for he died some months before his brother, little 
as we apprehended it, when Wilberforce was so beautifully 
speaking about him, a few days previous to his own death. 

"Oh, my dear boys! your memorials are most dear to my 
soul! 

"I tremble when I think how poorly I have profited by 
these parental warnings; yet I take some encouragement from 
the feelings which I am conscious I retain. Lord, increase 
their influence! In the midst of life I am in death. Who may 
be taken away next? I sometimes have fearful forebodings — 
I look around my beloved little circle, and sigh. I check these 
feelings again, and am ashamed of my weakness. Lord! 
make Christ to be every thing to me — and then all will, all 



328 MEMOIRS OF THE 

must be well. Oh! keep my Fanny in a serious frame. Let 
her not forget her past impressions! Bless my Henry, and 
preserve him in a steady mind, untainted by levities! Cherish 
my poor Legh, and let not my good hopes concerning him be 
blighted! Bless the little ones, and make them thine own for 
ever ! 

^'Pardon my weakness, O God! and bless this whole medi- 
tation to my own soul! L. R." 

''Turvey, Sunday j Jan. Ibth, 1827/' 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Closing Scene— Funeral— Remarks on his character, &lc. 

We are now drawing to the close of the life and ministry of 
this excellent man, whose labors were singularly attended 
with the blessing of God to the end. The last two Sundays 
on which he preached were in the beginning of March, 1827. 
On the former of these occasions, a person attended the 
church, who, having taken some offence, had secretly made a 
rash resolve never to enter it He was both thouohtless and 
dissolute, and a bitter persecutor of religion in those who pro- 
fessed it; but on this day was constrained, by circumstances 
that need not be mentioned, to alter his determination. The 
text of the sermon was taken from Psalm li. 10, '^Create in 
me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me,'^ 
Sharper than a two-edged sword is the word of God; and in 
its application by the power of the Spirit to this poor man, it 
proved ^'to be' the hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces.'^ 
He confessed that immediately on his return home, he fell for 
the first time on his knees, and with crying and tears poured 
forth the stronsf emotion of his heart in the lano'uas'e of the 
publican, ^'God be merciful to me a sinner." 

Should this record meet the eye or the ear of the individual 
so deeply interested in it, we would remind him of that hour 
of divine mercy, and of the day when he bore to the grave the 
body of him whose dying lips had conveyed the message 
of life to his soul. We would remind him of his bitter anguish, 
when he descended the vault, and knelt, weeping, beside the 
coffin. We would exhort him to cleave with full purpose of 
heart to the Lord, and to continue faithful unto death; that in 
the day of Christ's appearing, he may be found among those 
who will be the crown and joy of him whose loss he now 
deplores. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 329 

The next Sunday Mr. Richmond's sermons were particu- 
larly solemn. In the morning he preached from Col. iii, 2; 
^'Set your affections on things above." And this address 
was directed to the true disciple for his comfort and confirma- 
tion. In the afternoon he preached from Psalm cxix. 52, 53. 
"I remembered thy judgments of old, O Lord, and have 
comforted myself. Horror hath taken hold upon me, because 
of the wicked that forsake thy law." This sermon was an 
awful and solemn appeal to the consciences of unawakened 
sinners. It was remarked by a person going out of church; 
*^this sounds as if it came from the lips of a dying man." 

From this time the disorder of Mr. Richmond visibly 
increased: He caught a fresh cold, and could only speak in a 
whisper. It was nevertheless, with some difficulty that he 
was restrained from being carried to the church; but he never 
more left his house, and soon became sensible that his beloved 
flock would "see his face no more." A gloom of sorrow 
overspread the parish, and "prayer was made without ceasing 
of the church unto God," for his recovery. But the time was 
come when he was to enter into his rest. Few of his brethren 
had the privilege of conversing with him at this time, and the 
editor being abroad, on account of his own health, had no 
opportunity of any personal interview, during the season of his 
final illness. The last interview which he enjoyed with his 
esteemed friend, was in the preceding autumn. Little did he 
think, at that time, that they parted to meet no more! The 
following letters supply the most ample and interesting details 
on the closing scene of life. 

"My dear Friend, 

"I unite with you and the neighborhood, in deeply 
lamenting the decease of our much-valued friend, the late Mr. 
Richmond. Every day and occasion will remind us of our 
loss. He was indeed a bond of union in all our meetings, 
both public and private; we bowed to his authority, for he had 
an excellent judgment, and his fine temper never failed to 
diffuse a kind and brotherly feeling amongst us. It was the 
spontaneous remark of every one who had any acquaintance 
with him, 'You have only to know Legh Richmond to love 
him.' 

"My interview with him- a few days before his death, con- 
cerning which you desired to be informed, was highly interest- 
ing, though I have but few particulars to communicate. 

"Mr, Richmond had been declining in health for the last 



330 MEMOIRS OF THE 

two years. A visible alteration took place in him after the 
death of his son Wilberforce. The intensity of his feelings 
was at all times disproportionate to his strength; and some 
things, especially his dear boy's removal, seemed to lay hold 
of him with a degree of poignancy which he himself, in 
common with his friends, greatly regretted. He felt, and 
expressed resignation and thankfulness in the event; yet it 
was evident to us all that his frame had received an irrepara- 
ble injury. 

^^His brethren saw little of him during the last few months 
of his life. He continued the regular performance of the 
duties of his parish till within a few weeks of his death, and 
we did not apprehend that he was so soon to be taken 
from us. 

^'In his confinement, he shrunk from all intercourse beyond 
the circle of his own family. 

"After making repeated inquiries about his state of healthy 
and receiving very unsatisfactory answers, I consulted his 
medical attendant, whose report determined me to lose no 
time in seeking an interview. Of his spiritual state there 
could be no doubt; but I thought if, like bis family, he felt 
persuaded of his recovery, it might be important on many 
accounts that he should be apprised of his approaching end. 

''I wished, among other things, to induce him to use his 
influence with the patron of the living in the appointment of a 
suitable successor. We had a conversation of some length on 
this subject, and which I regretted when I perceived how 
greatly it exhausted his weak and shattered frame, and 
disabled him from entering on matters of still deeper interest. 
I was anxious to hear his dying testimony to the great truths 
he had so long taught, and so strikingly exemplified by a con- 
sistent and holy conduct. The idea too, that a friendship 
which had suffered no interruption for more than twenty years, 
endeared by the remembrance of his judicious advice and 
affectionate sympathy in my hours of trial and affliction, was 
soon to be dissolved, gave a solemn and affecting interest 
to this interview, and I longed to express my gratitude, as 
well as to be quickened and confirmed by his dying counsels. 

"An opportunity offered, and I said, 'Dear brother, I owe 
you much love, and am pained to be the messenger of evil 
tidings. Still I cannot think it right to withhold from you my 
apprehension of the dangerous nature of your disease.' 'I 
know it, brother,' he replied, 'seven months ago I was well 
satisfied from whence this cough came; that it was a messen- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 331 

ger from above. I knew what it meant — but I cannot talk: 
F — , do you talk.' 

"I had scarcely resumed the conversation^ with a remark 
on the immense value and importance of our principles, when 
he raised himself upright in his chair, and with great solemnity 
of manner, said, 'Brother, we are only half awake — we are 
none of us more than half awake.' He seemed unable 
to proceed, for his feebleness was extreme, and to relieve him 
I began again; but he made another effort. 'The enemy, as 
our poor people would say, has been very busy with me. I 
have been in great darkness — a strange thought has passed 
through my mind— it is all delusion. Brother, brother, strong 
evidences, nothing but strong evidences will do at such an hour 
as this. I have looked here and looked there for them — 
all have failed me — and so I cast myself on the sovereign, free, 
and full grace of God in the covenant by Christ Jesus; and 
there, brother (looking at me with a smile of tranquillity quite 
indescribable, and which I shall never forget,) there I have 
found peace.' 

''I could utter nothing in reply. My heart was quite full. 
I grasped his hand and left him, with a promise of a speedy 
return, musing on the similarity of his experience with that 
expressed by Hooker, a favorite with us both. 'To name 
merits J then^ is to lay their souls upon the rack, the memory 
of their own deeds is loathsome to them, they forsake all things 
wherein they have put any trust or confidence — no staff to lean 
upon, no ease, no resty no comfort then, but only in Jesus 
Christ.''^ 

"There are, doubtless, many persons who would feel sur- 
prise at the particulars which I have related, and might even 
be disposed to ascribe our dear friend's distress of mind to a 
cause very remote from the truth. Those who know nothing 
of indwelling sin, whose standard is low, and whose apprehen- 
sion of the law of God is far from spiritual, cannot possibly 
enter into the feelings of man, 

^who evil felt within. 
And when he felt it, heaved a sigh, 
And loathed the thought of sin.' 

"To me it appears that our friend's dispensation was pe- 
culiarly fitted to preserve him from those feelings of self-com- 
placency to which his extensive usefulness, and the singular 

** Hooker, in his Sermon on Justification. 



332 MEMOIRS OF THE 

honor which God had put on his ministry, would not fail to 
expose him. 'I never knew,' said the late Mr. R. of York, 
^more than one person who was not injured by success.' 
Therefore, we may esteem every dispensation merciful, how- 
ever painful, which teaches the salutary lesson, *Let no man 
glory in men, but he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.' 

"A conversation I had with Mrs. Richmond, after her 
husband's decease, confirmed my views on this subject. 
When I told her what had passed between us, she said, ^I can 
explain the meaning of these conflicts. I had latterly often 
observed my beloved husband in deep thought. He seemed 
to be very low and cheerless. I pressed him to unbosom his 
feelings, that I might share his sorrows and sympathize with 
him. For a long time he was unwilling to enter on the sub- 
ject, and usually replied, 'nothing, love, nothing.' But at 
last he told me that strange thoughts had been suggested to 
his mind, such as had never entered it in his hours of health 
— thoughts of his extensive usefulness in the church of God. 
He said he knew them to be suggestions of Satan, but that 
they overwhelmed him with deep and bitter anguish. Pride, 
pride, hateful thing!' 

"Another idea has occurred to me with respect to this trial 
of our dear friend. He had insisted much upon the free and 
full sufficiency of the dispensation of grace to meet man's ex- 
tremity. His darkness and distress of mind, as well as the 
support he found in his own principles, seemed to me a practical 
illustration of the grand doctrine of the cross. It was for 
him to prove the reality of what he taught. In Christ every 
things — out of him nothing. He became an example, as he 
had been a preacher, of the righteousness of faith. God 
humbled his servant, magnified the riches of his own grace, 
and made him a pattern to us all, of the necessity and ^uSi- 
ciency of trust in Christ alone, 

"But after all, there is much truth in John Newton's re- 
mark; 'tell me not how a man died, but how he lived.' The 
weakness of a dying hour, and the ravages of disease, may 
cloud the mind, depress the spirits, and disturb the sober ex- 
ercises of the judgment. One thing, however, my dear friend, 
is evident; it becomes us 'to set our house in order,' before 
the approach of this trying hour. At that time we should 
have nothing to settle with God. It is not a season to 
begin to turn to Christ, when we cannot turn in our bed. 
May the thought be ever present to our recollection, 'we are 
only half awake.' The removal of our dear brother is a loud 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 333 

call to US to trim our lamps and ^wait for our Lord,' that when 
he Cometh and knocketh, we may open to him immediately. 

"Believe me, my dear friend, I am yours very faithfully, 
though most unworthily, T. F." 

Letter to Mrs. F , in reference to Mr. Richmond's 

decease. 

My dear Mrs. F. — — , — You wish me to give you an ac- 
count of the closing scene of my beloved parent's life. This 
will be attended with some difficulty; for though I was his 
friend as well as his child, and the endeared companion of 
his retired hours, — and though many events and conversa- 
tions, full of deep and affecting interest, are indelibly engrav- 
ed on my memory, yet as I did not anticipate the mournful 
bereavement, and omitted to make a memoranda at the time, 
I find now that much of the detail is irrevocably lost, and 
I should be afraid to write any thing which was not strictly 
and literally true. 

"Yet the recollection of hours spent in my beloved father's 
study, which was indeed a hallowed sanctuary of devotion, 
keeps alive in my mind an abiding conviction of the reality 
and happiness of experimental closet religion. When I feel 
worldly influence stealing on me, and consequently, religious 
duties losing their glow of interest, I have but to think of 
my departed parent and of past times, and my heart is 
again warmed, a new energy in the spiritual life seems im- 
parted, and thus my soul does indeed realize that ^the mem- 
ory of the just is blessed.' 

"I cannot express the veneration and love with which he 
was regarded by every one of his children. With an under- 
standing of the very first order, a mind elegantly refined and 
polished, and feelings of the most delicate susceptibility, he 
had a heart overflowing with intense affection towards each 
of them, which was shown by daily and hourly attentions of 
the most winning nature; and they found in him not only a 
counsellor and instructor, but a companion and bosom friend. 
They clung to him, indeed, with an almost idolatrous fond- 
ness. Each of my brothers and sisters will agree with me 
in the sentiment of dear Wilberforce (it was one of my 
brother's remarks a little before he closed his eyes upon his 
weeping parent,) ^when my heart feels too cold to thank 
God for any thing else, it can thank him for giving mc such 
a father.' He was the spiritual as well as the natural father 
29 



334 MEMOIRS OF THE 

of that dear boy, and I trust others of his children are thus 
bound to him by a tie strong and lasting as eternity itself. 
Surely the world does not contain a spot of more sweet and 
uninterrupted domestic happiness than Turvey rectory present- 
ed, before death entered that peaceful dwelling. It was erer 
the first wish of my beloved father, that our home should be 
happy; and he was never so pleased as when we were 
all sitting around him. Both in our childhood and youth, 
every innocent pleasure was resorted to, and all his varied 
attainments brought into exercise to instruct and amuse us. 
He was the sun of our little system, and from him seemed 
to be derived the light and glow of domestic happiness. 
Like the disciple, whose loving spirit I have often thought my 
dear father's resembled, his motto was, 'little children, love 
one another;' and he taught this more effectually by sympa- 
thy than even by precept. Religion was unfolded to us in 
its most attractive form. We saw that it was a happy thing 
to be a Christian. He was exempt from gloom and melan- 
choly, and entered with life and cheerfulness into all our 
sports. 

'^But we should not have been thus happy in domestic af- 
fection, had not our beloved father so carefully trained us in 
the religion of Jesus Christ. This was his chief concern, his 
hourly endeavor. He did not talk much with us about relig- 
ion; but the books, studies, and even amusements to which 
he directed us, shewed that God was in all his thoughts, and 
that his great aim was to prepare his children for heaven. 
Religion was practically taught in all he said and did, and 
recommended to us, in his lovely domestic character, more 
powerfully than in any other way. He had a thousand winning 
ways to lead our infant minds to God, and explain to us the 
love of the Saviour to little children. It was then our first 
impressions were received; and though for a time they were 
obscured by youthful vanities, they were never totally erased; 
he lived to see them, in some instances, ripened into true con- 
version. It was his custom, when we were very young, to 
pray with us alone: he used to take us by turns into his study; 
and memory still recals the simple language and affecting 
earnestness with which he pleaded for the conversion of his 
child. I used to weep because he wept, though I understood 
and felt little of his meaning; but I saw it was all love, and 
thus my earliest impression was associated with the idea, 
that it was religion which made him love us so tenderly, 
and that prayer was an expression of that love. I was led 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 335 

in this way to pray for those who were kind to me, as dear 
papa did. 

"In conversation, he did not often urge the subject of re- 
ligion directly on our attention, or question us much as to our 
personal experience of it. He has sometimes regretted this, 
and called it his infirmity; but I think he adopted a more 
successful plan. He used to watch over us most cautiously, 
and express his opinion in writing: we constantly found letters 
left in our rooms, with directions to think and pray over them. 
Reproof was always conveyed in this way; and he also took 
the same method of questioning us on experimental religion, 
and of beseeching us to become more decided for God. Some- 
times he required an answer, but generally his only request 
was, that we would 'spread his letter before the Lord, and 
think over it.' 

''His reproofs were inexpressibly tender. He was never 
angry with us; but when we displeased him, he shewed it by 
such a sad and mournful countenance, that it touched us to 
the very heart, and produced more effect than any punishment 
could have done, for we saw that it was our dear father who 
suffered the most. In this way he gained such an ascend- 
ency over our affections, that none of his children could feel 
happy if his smile was withdrawn, and all regarded that smile 
as a rich reward. 

"The anniversaries of our birth-days were always seasons 
of festivity amongst us. We were generally awakened with 
his congratulations and blessing. 'He rose up early in the 
morning, and offered sacrifice, according to the number of 
them all: thus did he continually.'^ I love to recal those 
happy and innocent days, when our dear father, even in our 
childish sports, was the main-spring of our joys, and the con- 
triver of every amusement. We always found a birth-day 
present for us, often accompanied by an affectionate note. 

"Though my dear father was naturally playful and lively, 
his spirits were easily depressed; and they appeared to under- 
go a considerable change subsequent to the summer of 18'24, 
the period at which Wilberforce's health began to decline: 
Wilberforce was most tenderly endeared to him; and there 
was a strong affinity in their characters. He was just begin- 
ning to unfold a very fine understanding, and his intellectual 
attainments were certainly superior for his ago. His mind 
had been cultivated with much care; and the same elegance 

^ Job i, 5. 



336 MEMOIRS OF THE 

of taste and delicacy of feeling, so prominent in my father's 
character, seemed likewise to mark that of his cherished boy. 
He manifested the same inclination to the studies of natural 
philosophy; and when the school lessons were finished, they 
were constantly engaged together in these pursuits. While 
the other boys were at play, Wilberforce generally occupied 
himself in reading in the study, and trying experiments, &c. 
Mineralogy, in particular, was a favorite science with both; 
and in each instance it beguiled the hours of declining health. 
Papa used to amuse himself with his minerals, when all his 
other scientific pursuits failed to interest him: and poor Willy 
found the same pleasure in this study; for within a few days 
of his death, he was searching to see how many different kinds 
of stones might be enumerated. He had never been absent 
from home, but was brought up under the immediate eye of 
his parent, and watched with ceaseless care. He was now 
preparing for college, and sanguine in the hope that he might 
distinguish himself; and his father was looking forward with 
deep interest to this period. 

"In the summer of 1824, my brother ruptured a blood- 
vessel, and began to spit blood. My dear father discovered 
great anxiety and alarm, though we did not, for a long time, 
know how deeply he was affected. He afterwards told mamma, 
that on that morning, as he looked on Wilberforce, he felt a 
shock, which seemed to shatter him to the very soul, and from 
which he never after recovered. He did indeed, to use his 
own words, 'roll the troublous calamity on God,' but nature 
sunk under the stroke. 

''In June 1824, he took a journey to Scotland, to place 
Wilberforce under the care of Dr. Stewart. I was their 
companion in that journey, which I have a mournful pleasure 
in retracing. 

"It was very pleasant to travel with my father, he had such 
an exquisite perception of the beauties of nature; and every ob- 
ject of interest was pointed out to us with his own elegant and 
devotional associations. Often has he wandered on through 
the fine scenes of Scotland, both by day-light and moon-light, 
with poor Willy and myself at his side; and we have sat 
down together on the sea-shore, or by the hedge-side, while 
he shewed us the image of the Deity in the beauty of his 
works; and whether he was contemplating the simple wild- 
flower or the resplendent firmament, he would point to the 
hand of Omnipotence in both. But his enjoyments at this 
time greatly depended upon his dear boy's being able to par- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 337 

ticipate in them: if Willj drooped, his spirits were gone, and 
nature lost its power to charm. I think he was gradually de- 
clining in his own health, though he did not complain. He 
was watching the decay of his beloved son, while his own 
frame was giving way. 

"We returned home in October, with no material benefit 
to our dear invalid: and in January, 1825, after a happy and 
even triumphant experience of the power of religion, my brother 
breathed his last gentle sigh in the arms of his afflicted father, 
who had been in God's hands, his sole teacher, comforter, and 
supporter. He was ever at the dying pillow of his suffering 
child, reading, praying, and comforting him, by day and by 
night. Before us, he appeared composed and tranquil; but in 
his retired moments, I have heard him give vent to his feel- 
ings, with strong 'crying and tears.' I remember, on the 
evening of Wilberforce's death, after he had yielded to the 
first burst of grief, he clasped the inanimate form to his heart, 
laid it down, dried his tears, and collecting us together in the 
study, he knelt down, and uttered only the language of praise 
and gratitude. For a little moment he seemed not only to 
follow, but to realize his child's flight and welcome to the 
realms of glory. His whole conduct seemed to express, 
^though I should see his hand lifted to slay me, yet from that 
same hand will I look for salvation.' 

"He was much comforted, at this time, in his parish, and 
in his own family. In the parish, there appeared a remarka- 
ble revival of religion, particularly among the young people. 
It might be truly said, 'there were added to the church daUij^ 
such as should be saved.' This dear boy's death appeared to 
be the life of many souls; and, in my dear father's own lan- 
guage, 'they were the spiritual roses, blooming around the 
grave of his Willy.' 

"At this time, his character as a parish priest shone forth 
most eminently. He was singularly blessed among his flock. 
His heart was always in his work; but more particularly did 
he now preach the word, in season and out of season; 're- 
proving, rebuking, exhorting, with all long-suff*ering and doc- 
trine.' An increase of religious inquiry and anxiety among 
his people produced a corresponding increase of visiting and 
teaching on his part. He regularly met a party of his pious 
poor at a neighboring cottage, on Tuesdays; frequently a dif- 
ferent set on Thursdays; and on Sunday nights, after his fa- 
tiguing duties in the church, he met those who had been newly 
awakened to spiritual life. His heart seemed particularly 
*29 



338 MEMOIRS OF THE 

interested in this last little party, which he used to call ^his 
spiritual nursery.'^ I have looked at him with astonishment, 
when he came to us on Sunday nights. Unceasingly occupied, 
from ten in the morning till ten at night, he met us with his 
usual cheerfulness, and entered into animated and interesting 
conversation, as if no fatigue was felt. On Sunday evenings, 
after the administration of the sacrament, he met the commu- 
nicants. On these occasions, he was happy in being surround- 
ed by his spiritual children, dearly loved by him, and, on the 
whole, he could look on them with approbation and confidence, 
as his ^glory and joy.' He was earnest in enforcing upon 
them consistency of character, and uprightness in temporal 
affairs: anxious that the enemies of true religion should have 
no cause to blaspheme from the inconsistencies of its profes- 
sors, but that his people should adorn the doctrine of God 
their Saviour, and put to silence the ignorance of foolish men ; 
shewing, that the doctrines of grace are the doctrines of holi- 
ness. 

^'But not in his parish alone was the death of his beloved 
son rendered singularly useful j his heart was yet more com- 
forted by the hope of solid benefit to his own family. The 
seed which had been sown with many prayers, and watered 
with many tears, though it had hitherto lain dormant, began 
at this time to spring up to the consolation of his bereaved 
heart. With unspeakable tenderness he watched over the signs 
of religious anxiety in his children, weeping over them and 
praying for them with the most vehement affection. 

''It was a few days after Willy's death, that my own mind 
was in a state of agitating anxiety — thirsting for the knowl- 
edge of God and his holiness, yet feeling so ignorant, dark, 
and helpless, that I knew not where to look for encourage- 
ment or assistance. My ignorance was my great burden. I 
felt as if I never could understand religion, and with these 
feelings I went into the study, where I found my beloved par- 
ent in deep meditation. He seemed to perceive at one glance 
what was the matter. In his engaging manner he took me 
on his knee, and folding me to his heart, begged me to tell 
him all I felt. This was the first time I had opened my mind 
to him on the subject of religion. I tried to tell him my feel- 
ings, dwelling particularly on my ignorance and total blind- 
ness in spiritual things. With striking humility and conde- 
scension, he replied, 'Well, my dear child, we will begin re- 
ligion together. We will set out in the first step, for I have 
as much need as you to begin all again. We must go to Jesus 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 339 

Christ to be set right. We will ask to be taught the first 
lesson in his religion, and wait in the ignorance of babes for 
his instruction.' 

"In the following winter, my dear father's failing spirits 
sustained another severe shock. We were expecting every 
week our eldest brother from India. He left home at the 
age of fifteen, and eleven years had now elapsed since his 
father had seen him. Many singular and affecting circum- 
stances had occurred during this interval. He was thrice 
shipwrecked; and on one occasion, with only a few others, he 
got safe to shore. In his early youth he had been a source of 
much sorrow to his parents, but in a far distant land his heart 
was turned to the God of his father; and we received the 
most satisfactory testimonies to his conversion. 

"My father's sensitive feelings were strained to the highest 
pitch in expectation of meeting his dear sailor-boy, who was on 
his return to visit us; and he was preparing to welcome the 
^son who was lost and is found, was dead and is alive again,' 
when the mournful tidings of his death reached us. 

"Both the mind and body of my dear father were shattered 
by this intelligence. But though suffering most acutely, he 
was, as in the former bereavement, the comforter and stay of 
his family; — concealing his own feelings, to mitigate theirs. 

"He used to be much at home at this time, communing with 
his own heart, in his chamber, in silence: and no doubt it was 
his fervent and frequent devotion which strengthened and en- 
abled him 'to comfort those who were in trouble, by the com- 
fort wherewith he himself was comforted of God.' 

"He had shut himself up for six weeks, and never appeared 
in public, except on the Sunday; but when he heard of the 
anxiety of the people to see him, and share the sorrows of 
their beloved pastor, he desired them to assemble in the 
schoolroom; and he went there to meet them. It was 
evidently too trying and exciting for his week frame. For 
some time he could not speak; but when he recovered himself, 
his address was inexpressibly touching, and yet comforting. 
The people wept with him, and felt his sorrows as their own. 
He told them, that conscious of their interest in him, and of 
their anxiety to know his state of mind under this afflicting 
rod, he had come on purpose to tell them what God could do 
for the soul that looked to him for help; that they might 
magnify the Lord with him, and exalt his name together. He 
said, that while he had been shut up in the solitude of his 
study, for the last six weeks, in silent communing with God, 



340 MEMOIRS OP THE 

<^ 

he had learnt to feel, 'it is good for me that I have been 
afflicted,' — that the experience of his soul during that trying 
season had been, 'in the multitude of my thoughts within me 
thy comforts have refreshed my soul.' 

''He then expounded the 107th Psalm, with reference to 
poor Nugent's case; and expressed himself with more than 
ordinary energy and freedom. He had been tried, but he came 
forth as gold. His heavenly Father seemed to say to him, 
'My son, give me thine heart;' and the answer of his soul was 
— 'There is none upon earth I desire in comparison of thee.' 
While fainting beneath the heavy load of suffering, he tried 
to say, like his blessed Master, 'the cup which my Father 
hath given me, shall I not drink it?' 

"He now resumed his usual cottage meetings; and though 
his constitution was evidently sinking, and he was laboring far 
beyond his strength, he could not be persuaded to relax 
or lessen any of his pastoral engagements. We earnestly 
pressed him to retire for a season from his duties; but, 
contrary to his usual yielding temper, he remained inflexible; 
adding, either 'it does not injure me;' or 'I shall suffer more 
in my mind, by giving them up, than in my body, by attending 
to them.' The last year of his life he had a constant irrita- 
ting cough, which finally settled upon his lungs; and was no 
doubt much increased by such frequent talking and exposure 
to the night air. 

"I was his constant companion in his visits to the cottages; 
and he often looked so worn and fatigued, and his spirits 
sometimes so much affected, apparently with thoughts which 
he did not express, that I have turned away to weep, and felt 
undefinable sensations of dread, as the idea crossed mj mind, 
that he was meditating on the final separation. 

"His public discourses at this time were particularly 
awakening, as well as confirming. While he warned his 
flock, with deep solemnity, 'lest any man fail of the grace of 
God,' he enlarged on the divine promises, the glory of the 
Saviour, and the blessedness of the redeemed. A poor woman 
remarked to me — 'Your dear papa preaches as if he was 
near home.' 

"What he was in his family during the two last years 
of his life, my pen can but faintly describe. Since Nugent's 
and Willy's death, his affections were more concentrated on 
those who were left; and he had also a more endearing tie, 
for he could now look on some of his family as his spiritual 
children. In conversation and reading, he could find com- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND 341 

panions m them. Very pleasant is the recollection of the 
happy and profitable hours spent in my father's study. He 
used to awake me at six o'clock every morning, and I read 
to him till breakfast. He was fond of this early hour, and 
kept up the plan even through the last winter. But it was 
injurious to him ; for when his cough was bad, and his health 
sinking daily, he would still rise before the servants were up, 
call me and my brothers, and then light his own fire, that all 
might be ready for the reading to commence. He made many 
valuable remarks as we went on. The last winter months, 
he wished me to read to him the Cripplegate Lectures. 
Archbishop Leighton, who was a particular favorite with him, 
was the last author we read together. Sacred is the memory 
of those hours: his health was declining, but his soul was 
ripening for glory; and while listening with interest to the 
deep experience and triumphant victories of these holy men, he 
was probably anticipating the near approach of that time when 
he should join their company. 

^'His mind was often for days peaceful and tranquil. At 
such times he never spoke of Wilberforce's death, but in terms 
of gratitude and praise for his happy end: but at other times, 
the vivid remembrances of his bereavements seemed to over- 
whelm him, and to occasion new conflicts. I have heard his 
convulsive sobs and his heart-touching prayers, as I sat in the 
room beneath the study. I remember on one day in particu- 
lar, he had been a longtime alone, wishing to be undisturbed; 
and when I went to him, I found him in deep sorrow. 
Willy's papers were lying before him, and he appeared in 
great agitation of mind. In what followed, I was struck with 
the deep humility of his feelings. He said, ^it was not un- 
mingled grief for Wilberforce which was then uppermost; he 
knew he was safe in heaven, and that to him death had been 
victory: but that the thought painfully harassed him — shall / 
ever meet him in heaven? shall / indeed ever get there? 
Friends try to comfort me, by saying, (as if they took it for 
granted,) that sorrow is unnecessary; for the separation is 
very short, and we shall soon meet again in heaven. But, 
alas! there is that inward consciousness of sin, and that 
perplexing conflict, that 1 cannot take it for granted; and the 
thought is now sinking me in the very dust, shall I indeed 
meet him in heaven? — am 1 sure eternity will unite us? And 
I often shudder, and fall down confounded, at the possibility 
that, after all, I may come short, and our separation be eter- 
nal.' 



342 MEMOIRS OF THE 

"This was an affecting and important lesson. I saw that 
the most holy and established Christian is still a sinner, and 
feels himself such; that, however high his spiritual attain- 
ments in this life, the flesh still weighs down the spirit. I had 
heard and seen my dear father so strong in faith, that heaven 
seemed realized, and victory obtained; and I fancied /le could 
never have a doubt of his salvation. But I found that the 
father in Christ could weep and tremble like the babe, 
because of the sin that dwelleth in him. 

"My dear father's cough continued, and he became very 
thin; and every one remarked how ill he looked. But he 
appeared not to notice it, and we thought he did not apprehend 
danger: we have since found that we were mistaken, and that 
he ^always looked on the cough as a summons from above.' 

He abated nothing of his work, and still continued his visits 
to the poor. It was in the cottage of sorrow, and by the bed 
of the dying, that my beloved parent's character appeared the 
brightest. He was the father as well as the minister of his 
people; and they brought all their difficulties and troubles to 
him, and ever found in him a tender and judicious adviser. 
He had particular pleasure in conversing with the pious poor, 
and said he had learnt some of his best lessons from them; 
that the religion of the poor in general was more spiritual and 
sincere than that of the rich; that they lived more simply the 
life of faith on the Son of God. I have seen my beloved 
father in public, when the gaze of admiration was fixed on him, 
and in the private drawing-room I have beheld him the delight 
and entertainment of the company, and my heart has exulted 
in him; but it was when smoothing the pillow of poverty and 
death, that I most loved and venerated him; and discovered 
the image of that Saviour ^who went about doing good.' 

"In the month of February he went to Cambridge for 
a fortnight, to enter Henry. This was another subject of 
great anxiety to his mind: he dreaded the temptations of 
a college life; and expressed much solicitude lest his dear 
inexperienced boy should be corrupted, and his religion injured. 

"When he returned from Cambridge, we thought he looked 
better. He had been among friends he loved, and he derived 
great pleasure from his visit, and appeared more cheerful and 
lively than we had known him for the last two years. He 
entered into conversation with spirit, and even amused and 
entertained us in his engaging manner. We spent one week 
with him in this improved state of health and spirit; but he 
soon relapsed into his former thoughtful silence. The next 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 343 

week he caught a fresh cold, and his cough returned with 
greater violence: yet he would have preached on the following 
Sunday, if his voice had not entirely failed him. I do not 
think he imagined that he had seen his people for the last 
time, but that he anticipated a temporary amendment, suffi- 
cient to enable him to go amongst them again. But his ministry 
was closed; and he was to meet them no more till they met at 
the judgment seat of Christ! 

"To prevent increase of cold, he kept entirely to his study, 
and never came down stairs after that Sunday; jet he read 
and wrote as usual. 

^'It may seem extraordinary that he never spoke to us on 
the subject of his death, but those can understand it who 
knew the exquisite tenderness and susceptibility of his feel- 
ings. His affection indeed was almost his affliction. He 
could not bear to witness the sorrow which would have filled 
our hearts in the certain and near prospect of separation. 
He wished us, I think, to understand his situation and to ob- 
serve in silence. 

"There were no violent symptoms to mark the approach of 
death, but a gradual decay of strength. He sat with us as 
usual in his study-chair to the very last day, — almost to the 
last hour. I recollect many things which I did not then un- 
derstand, but which now shew me that he was preparing for 
death: with surprising calmness he set his house in order. 
He made a catalogue of his principal books, with memoranda 
how they were to be disposed of; also of his minerals and 
philosophical apparatus; he emptied all the cupboards round 
the room, which had not been done for many years; he burnt 
every book which he thought of an injurious tendency. All this 
was done for the most part in silence, it being painful for him 
to speak, even in a whisper. I have seen him sit for an hour 
together in the deepest abstraction of thought — then he would 
raise his eyes, the tears streaming down his pale cheeks, 
clasping his hands, as if in the fervency of importunate prayer 
— and again all was composure, and he looked peaceful and 
happy. He seemed to be maintaining a constant communion 
with God. I know he felt deeply for his children, whom he 
was about to leave young and inexperienced — exposed to a 
world of sin and temptation. My brother and I have frequently 
heard him break forth in prayer for us when we had scarcely 
closed his door. The sounds were faint and broken, but we 
understood their import; and the unutterable tenderness of his 
manner towards us is even now too affecting to dwell upon. 



344 MEMOIRS OF THE 

He would sometimes open his arms for me to come to him, 
and laying his head upon my shoulder would fall again into 
deep thought. His parish also was always upon his mind. 
He was continually inquiring about the people, and sending 
me with messages to them; and he listened with much interest 
to the report I made of them. 

^'One of his converts, a young girl of nineteen, was at this 
time on the bed of death, and my dear father regretted much 
he could not visit her; but he was very anxious to comfort and 
instruct her through me. She survived him two months, and 
died in the same peace, perhaps with more triumph. She 
said, just before her death, ^she longed yet more for heaven, 
because her dear minister was there to welcome her.' I know 
that he was full of anxiety for a suitable successor, and the 
idea of his flock being dispersed hung heavy upon his spirits. 
One morning, when I was sitting near him, he burst into tears 
and said, 'Oh! my parish! my poor parish! I feel as if I had 
done nothing for it, as if it had been so much neglected. I 
have not done half that I ought.' It was more than I could 
bear to hear him speak in this way; for I had seen him in 
weariness, and painfulness, and watchings, spending and being 
spent, if by any means he might win souls to Christ. I sug- 
gested to him his labors, and the singular usefulness of his 
ministry, especially within the last two years: he would still 
reply, 'no thanks to me, no thanks to me. I see it so differ- 
ent now, as if I had done just nothing. I see nothing but 
neglect and duties left undone.' I could not help reflecting on 
the different aspect things must have when eternity is opening 
upon us. 

''He was considerably cheered soon after this, by the pros- 
pect of Mr. H becoming his curate; it seemed to revive 

him; he lost sight of other troubles in the thought that his 
church would be well supplied. 

"He often recurred to Henry's residence at college, and 
talked of his fears for his dear boy till he was quite spent. 
He would say, 'I have seen the ruin of so many promising 
youths by a college life, and those apparently as amiable and 
pious as my own dear child. I know the difiiculty of main- 
taining spiritual religion at Cambridge. Even studies which 
are in themselves lawful, and which he ought to pursue, have 
a tendency to weaken piety, and interrupt private devotion. 
Christ has often been crucified between classics and mathe^ 
matics. I wish him to be diligent in his studies, but the Bible is 
the proper library for a young man entering into the church. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 345 

If he does but understand the Bible experimentally, I shall be 
content. Bid him, F — , to be very careful of his companions, 
that they be few, and more advanced in religion than himself; 
and particularly that he attends Mr. S — 's ministry. It cheers 
my heart, that there is such a ministry at Cambridge. Be 
sure you talk to him about these things. Warn him of declen- 
sions, and against sacrificing religion to the desire of distinc- 
tion. That dear boy, and his approaching trials, are never 
out of my thoughts; 1 think of him by day, and dream of 
him by night.' 

"We found in his desk a sheet of paper on which was 
written 'Cambridge documents.' These were directions for 
Henry, but not finished. He had often expressed a great de- 
sire to see a son in the church, ready to take his place. 'If I 
might but hear a true gospel sermon from one of my children, I 
should die in peace.' On another occasion, he expressed great 
delight that his young friend C. H — visited the poor, and 
said, 'you must recommend this to Henry, as the very best 
preparation for the ministry. Try, my dear F — , to keep 
him up to it. Tell him his poor father learnt his most valua- 
ble lessons for the ministry, and his most useful experience in 
religion, in the poor man's cottage.' 

"The last time he spoke to me on personal religion he en- 
deavored to establish my mind in the doctrine of assurance, 
and enlarged on its importance, and its tendency to promote 
both comfort and obedience. He pointed to Archbishop Leigh- 
ton as my pattern: 'See how holily and lovingly that man 
walked with God, because he believed that his salvation was 
safe and settled, that he was chosen in Christ. Try, my dear 
child, to expand your views; look at the magnificent scheme of 
salvation — the contract between the Father and his eternal 
Son. How much better to look out of self, and see all per- 
fected in Christ. You will never be happy and strong, till 
you grasp the covenant plan of redemption. You live upon 
self too much: you will get misery and despair, but nothing 
else, by looking to yourself. Live upon Christ; he has done 
all for you, if you could but believe it.' 

"Of the last sermons I read to him, one was entitled, 
'Hope amidst Billows,' the other 'The Believer a Hero.' This 
last I read twice to him; and he expressed much delight in 
listening to it. It seemed to suit the state of his mind, and 
corresponded with his own sentiments. At one part of the 
sermon he stopped me, that he might meditate on what he 
heardj and then he said, 'Read it again.' It seemed to cheer 
30 



346 MEMOIRS OF THE 

bis mind. When I had finished it, ^This,' said he, ^exactly 
expresses what I would say to you; that is just my senti- 
ment;' and he told me to turn down the leaf, that he might 
shew it to mamma. I have copied the passage; it appears to 
me very beautiful, and is greatly endeared to me, as baring 
comforted my dear father a few days only before his death. 

'^ ^The fear of God is not a perplexing doubting, and dis- 
trust of his love: on the contrary, it is a fixed resting and 
trust in his love. Many who have some truth of grace,"^ are, 
through weakness, filled with disquieting fears; but, possibly, 
though they perceive it not, it may be in some a point of wilful- 
ness, a little latent undiscerned affectation of scrupling and 
doubting, placing much of religion in it. True, where the 
soul is really solicitous about its interest in God, that argues 
some grace; but being vexingly anxious about it, argues that 
grace is weak and low. A spark there is, even discovered 
by that smoke; but the great smoke still continuing, and noth- 
ing seen but it, argues there is little fire, little faith, little love. 
And this as it is unpleasant to thyself, so it is to God, as 
smoke to the eyes. What if one should be always question- 
ing with a friend, whether he loved him or not, and upon every 
little occasion were ready to think he doth not, how would 
they disrelish their society together, though truly loving each 
other. The far more excellent w^ay, and more pleasing both 
to ourselves and to God, were to resolve on humble trust, rev- 
erence, and confidence, being most afraid to ofiend, delighting 
to walk in his ways, loving him and his will in all; and then 
resting persuaded of his love, though he chastise lis. And 
even though we ofiend him, and see our offences in our chas- 
tisements, yet he is good, plenteous in redemption, ready to 
forgive; therefore let Israel hope and trust. Let my soul roll 
itself on him, and adventure there all its weight. He bears 
greater matters, upholding the frame of heaven and earth, 
and is not troubled nor burdened with it.' 

^'Three days after, he asked me to read one of Newton's 
letters, from the volume entitled ^The Aged Pilgrim's Tri- 
umph.' He listened to me with interest, but did not speak, 
except to thank me. 

^^When his meals were brought to him, he used to clasp his 
wasted hands, and ask a blessing. ^I thank thee, heavenly 
Father, for these undeserved mercies to such an unworthy sin- 

* This is the expression used in the original. It is equivalent to saying; — 
''Many who are not without a measure ot true grace/' &c. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 347 

ner.' There may be nothing more in the words than any 
other Christian would utter; but the humility and reverence 
of his manner deeply affected us. 

^^Nearly the whole of Good Friday, he sat in a solemn 
prayerful meditation, with that exquisite print of Guido's be- 
fore him, the head of our Saviour crowned with thorns. His 
attention seemed riveted on it, but he said nothing. 

"On Easter Sunday the sacrament was administered at 
the church. This day he regarded with peculiar reverence, 
and some new converts generally partook of the sacred ordi- 
nance at this time, whom he had been preparing during the past 
year. The delight with which he gave them these emblems 
of the body and blood of Christ was very uncommon. It 
would cheer his spirits for weeks. This was the first Easter 
Sunday during his residence at Turvey that he had been pre- 
vented from joining his church, and commemorating the res- 
urrection of our blessed Redeemer, and he seemed to feel the 
privation deeply. Before we went to church, he told us to re- 
member him at the table, and he would join the communion of 
the saints in his study. He said, ^I shall look at my watch, 
and mark the exact time and read the service, that I may be 
one with you in the fellowship of the redeemed.' On our re- 
turn we saw the prayer book open before him, and he was 
still intent on the communion service. He looked up with great 
composure in his countenance, and said, 'I have followed you 
in every sentence, and I think I may say, I have indeed been 
with you, and enjoyed a sweet communion.' 

"He had a great dislike to keep his bed; and I cannot 
but acknowledge the goodness of God, that it was not neces- 
sary. He rose every day, to the last, and sat as usual in 
his study: only getting up a little later, and going to bed 
earlier, as his strength gradually failed him. The last fort- 
night he was very silent, and appeared constantly in prayer 
and meditation, — waiting his dismissal, and the end of his 
earthly pilgrimage. At this time, nothing seemed to disturb 
him; and he appeared to realize the full import of that blessed 
promise, ^Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind 
is stayed on thee.' I have often thought ho exemplified the 
faith his favorite Leighton commends — 'Let thy soul roll itself 
on God, and adventure there all its weight.' It was indeed 
an unspeakable delight to us to .observe the unruffled calm of 
his soul; and it confirmed our minds in the truth and value 
of the doctrines he had taught for thirty years. We had 
seen our beloved father prostrate in soul before God, under 



348 MEMOIRS OF THE 

a consciousness of indwelling sin; we bad heard him bemoan- 
ing himself, after a long life of usefulness, as an unprofitable 
servant, renouncing again and again all hope of salvation by 
his own goodness, and fleeing to Jesus as his only refuge. To 

use his words to C. H , 'It is only by coraing to Christ 

as a little child, and as for the first time that I can get peace.' 
Yet, though for a time perplexed, he was not forsaken. We 
saw him comforted of God, and proving what he had often 
said to me — 'Christ has firm hold of you, however feeble vour 
grasp of him;' and now we saw him strong in faith, and in 
the last hour of dissolving nature, rejoice in the sure and cer- 
tain hope of the glory of God. He did indeed find, to use the 
dying words of my beloved brother, Hhe rest that Christ gives 
is sweet.' He was silent, but it was a most expressive si- 
lence, and revealed emotions of joy and praise not to be de- 
scribed. Many touching circumstances occurred, which shewed 
both the man and the Christian; but they are of too delicate 
a nature to be communicated beyond the circle of his own 
family. 

''Two days before his death, he received a letter, mention- 
ing the conversion of two persons (one of whom was a clergy- 
man,) by the perusal of his tract, 'The Dairyman's Daughter.' 
When the letter was given him, he seemed too feeble to open 
it himself, and desired Henry to read it to him. The con- 
tents deeply interested him. He raised himself in his chair, 
lifted up his hand, and then let it fall dovv^n again, while he 
repeatedly shook his head. His manner spoke the greatest 
humility, as if he would say — 'How unworthy of such 
honor!' For a few minutes it seemed to administer a cordial 
to his fainting spirit, and led our minds, in reference to our 
dear father, to contemplate the near fulfilment of that promise, 
'They that turn many to righteousness, shall shine as the 
stars forever and ever.' 

"On Tuesday, the 8th of May, he rose later than usual; 
I think it was twelve before he got into the study; and he 
was so weak, that he had great diflnculty in walking there 
from his bed-room. His breath was short, and he looked 
very pale, but he said he felt no pain. He sat on his read- 
ing-chair, with his head resting on a pillow; his countenance 
and manner was calm and peaceful. In the afternoon he 
could scarcely support himself; and I kneeled on a chair be- 
hind him, and he laid his head on my shoulder. Once he 
seemed to be fainting, but he soon revived; and looking 
calmly at me, he said, 'Better now, love.' 



IlEV. LEGH RICHMOND. 349 

^^Mamma could no longer stay in the room, and I was left 
alone with him till five. He still said nothing, except to 
assure me he felt no pjiin. To the very last, it appear- 
ed to be his great desire to spare our feelings. We now 
persuaded him to go to bed, but we little thought death was 
so near. He could not walk, and we were going to ring for 
a servant to assist him; but he said, ^I should like Henry to 
carry me.' He was wasted to a skeleton: Henry took him 
up with great ease, and we all followed. I shall never forget 
this most affecting moment: it was a moment of anguish to 
me, more than the last scene. He seemed to know that he 
was leaving the study, never to return to it: his look told me 
that he knew it. This was his favorite room, where for more 
than twenty years he had constantly carried on his pursuits. 
There he had written his books — studied his sermons — in- 
structed his children — conversed with his flock, and offered 
daily sacrifice of praise and prayer. I watched him, as Henry 
carried him out: his countenance preserved the same look of 
fixed composure. He raised his head and gave one search- 
ing look round the room, on his books — his table — his chair — 
his wife — his children; — and then the door closed on him for 
ever! He gave the same look round the gallery through which 
we passed, as if he was bidding farewell to every thing. 
There was a peculiar expression in his countenance, which I 
cannot describe; it seemed to say, 'Behold I die, but God will 
be with you!' Henry seated him in a chair, and he sat to 
be undressed, like a little dependent child, in deep silence, but 
without the ruffling of a feature. 

"About nine, he seemed rather wandering, and made an 
effort to speak, but we could not make out his meaning; only 
we perceived he was thinking of his church, for we heard him 
say several times, 'It will be all confusion!' Mamma 
asked him what would be confusion. 'The church! There 
will be such confusion in my church!' 

"About ten o'clock, he signified to mamma, in the gentlest 
whisper, that he wished to be left alone — to send us all away, 
and draw the curtains round him! 

"About half past ten, Mrs. G., the kind and faithful nurse of 
Willy, tapped at my door. I was reading the Bible, and had 
just reached that verse, 'That ye be not slothful, but followers 
of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.' 
I have thought the coincidence remarkable, at least I trust 
it will ever give a quickening influence to that passage, when 
1 read it. She told me to come and look at mj father. She 
*30 



350 MEMOIRS OF THE 

said, she could hardly tell whether there was any change or 
not. I hurried to him. He raised his eyes to heaven, and 
then closed them. I put my cheek upon his; and I believe 
at that instant I felt, for I could not hear, his dying sigh. I 
thought he was sleeping, and continued looking at him, till 
Hannah said, ^Your dear papa is in heaven.' I did not think 
him dead; and I rubbed his still warm hands, and kissed his 
pale cheek and entreated him to speak one word to me: but 
I soon found it was the silence of death. All turned to poor 
mamma, who was insensible; and I was thus left alone with 
my dear father, kneeling beside him, with his hand in mine. 
The same holy calm sat on his countenance, and seemed 
to say — 'Thanks be to God, who hath given me the victory!' 

''The scene that followed was truly afflictive. The grief 
of the widow and the fatherless was unchecked; for he who 
had always comforted them, and bid them kiss the rod, was 
no longer with them. The contrast between the after-scene 
of Wilberforce's and our beloved parent's death was peculiar- 
ly affecting to me. When my brother died, my father assem- 
bled us together, to implore resignation and offer praise, 
but when he himself departed, all seemed gone. There was 
no one to collect us; and we were scattered in wild sorrow, 
with a feeling of desolation which was quite unutterable. 

^'We cannot, we ought not to forget such a father. Yea, 
I would add, 'when I forget thee, may my right hand forget 
her cunning.' 

"The hand of God has gone out against us — yet 'the seed 
of the righteous is not forsaken.' He has cut off the 'stream 
which made us glad,' — but praised be his name, he invites us 
to the 'living fountain,' where our souls may drink and be sat- 
isfied. Believe me, my dear Mrs. F., your very affec- 
tionate, F. R." 

Mr. Richmond departed, Tuesday, May 8, 1827. The 
Editor arrived from abroad four days after the above event. 
If is impossible to express the shock inflicted on his feelings 
by this painful intelligence, which was the more distressing as 
it was wholly unexpected, and unmitigated by a parting inter- 
view. It seemed as if he had just returned to perform the 
last solemn duty! 

Mr. Richmond was buried in the church of Turvey, and 
in the same vault which contained the remains of his beloved 
Wilberforce, and of two infant sons. The affecting circum- 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 351 

stances of the funeral are thus described by a friend, who was 
a spectator of the mournful scene: — 

"I was hastening to witness the sad obsequies of this ex- 
cellent man; the bell tolled heavily, and seemed to smite on 
my ear with more than ordinary solemnity. Sorrow was de- 
picted on every countenance, and the mourners crossed my 
path at every step. Even the aged and the sick, who had 
long heard from his lips the glad tidings of salvation, crept out 
of their cottages, resting on their crutches, or leaning on the 
arm of friendship, to gaze on the mournful cavalcade, and 
weep over their melancholy bereavement. 

^^Every eye exhibited the struggle of feeling, and spoke 
more for the memory of the deceased than volumes written in 
his praise. Multitudes from the neighboring villages, and 
many from remoter places, were attracted to the spot, and 
came to pay their tribute of affection to the memory of one with 
whose name they had long associated feelings of respect and 
esteem. The members of the men's club, established by Mr. 
Richmond at Turvey, had assembled with their long wands, 
clothed in mourning, and formed a double line from the rectory 
to the church porch. Through this avenue the body was 
borne, without interruption from the crowds of spectators. It 
was carried by six bearers, and the pall was held by the same 
number of clergymen from the neighborhood, whose counte- 
nances, marked with profound sorrow, seemed to say, 'alas! 
my brother!' There followed as mourners, the family — the 
more respectable of the parishioners — the communicants — the 
friendly societies of young and old—the Sunday and day 
schools — and a long train of the poor, with many strangers 
who were present on the occasion. The men's club joined the 
procession as it passed along; and the whole presented to my 
eye the most affecting picture of deep and sincere sorrow I 
ever witnessed. 

"The service was read, at the request of the family, by 
Mr. Grimshawe, who delivered an address at the conclusion 
of the funeral, in compliance with the wishes of the parish- 
ioners, and in accordance with the custom of the deceased 
rector." 

The following Sunday, a sermon was preached at Turvey 
church, on the occasion, by the Rev. T. Fry, rector of Em- 
berton, to an overflowing congregation. So great was the 
number of persons that attended, that many went away, un- 
able to procure admittance. Not only was every space in the 



552 MEMOIRS OP THE 

church and the chancels occupied, but the marble monuments 
were covered with people, and even the large beams which 
supported the roof. Mr. Richmond, some years before his de- 
cease, had selected a passage of Scripture; and Mr. Fry, in 
compliance with the wishes of his friend, took his text from Ro- 
mans vii. 24, 25. 'O wretched man that I am! who shall de- 
liver me from the body of this death .'^ I thank God, through 
Jesus Christ our Lord.'^ 

The following testimony, from Mrs. Richmond, to the do- 
mestic character and virtues of her excellent husband, is too 
honorable to both parties not to excite the interest of the 
reader by its insertion. 

"Dear Sir, — Allow me to assure you of the unfeigned sat- 
isfaction which I feel in addressing you as the biographer of 
my late most dear and lamented husband. 

"That the task has devolved on you, who were better ac- 
quainted than most others with the qualities of him whom you 
so justly loved and valued, is a melancholy pleasure, connected 
with my afflictive bereavement. 

"The confidential and affectionate intercourse, which for so 
many years subsisted between you, afforded numerous and va- 
ried opportunities for making a just estimate of his character: 
and I feel full confidence that you will be faithful in your own 
observations on this honored servant of the sanctuary. 

"To him indeed, it is a thing of nought; — his witness is in 
heaven and his record is on high. But to those whom he has 
left behind in this vale of tears, it is, I think, a lawful source 
of anxiety and interest, that 'his name should be had in 
remembrance.' 

"His public character you had more frequent and diversi- 
fied means of appreciating than I had. But in the private 
and family circle, it may naturally be supposed that to myself 
he was best known. 

"In the endeared relations of husband and father, those 
only knew his value who are now left to deplore his loss. The 
honored but unworthy partner of his weal and wo can bear 
grateful testimony how truly he fulfilled the apostolic injunction 
of loving his wife: how patiently he bore with her infirmities; 
and with what tenderness of mind and refinement of feeling, 
he manifested the daily recurring instances of his affectionate 
and devoted attachment. 

* Sermons were preached in the neighborhood by the editor and other cler- 
gymen; the succeeding Sunday. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 353 

^^The subject is sacred and delicate, and my pencil might 
be thought to color too highly; but on my oivn heart is indeli- 
bly impressed the fond remembrance of what he was to me — 
a remembrance which death only can efface; and which I 
humbly hope will be renewed, with increased powers of re- 
collection, when I shall have come out of this great tribulation, 
washed in the blood of the Lamb, and made meet for the 
inheritance of the saints in light. 

'^Nevertheless, I feel myself called upon to offer the tribute 
of my heart's best effusions of gratitude, for a continued course 
of connubial felicity, enjoyed by few to the same extent. To 
him I was indebted for thirty years of domestic happiness, 
from the recollections of which, Visions of past enjoyment rise, 
in long and bright array;' while I am painfully reminded that 
they are joys departed; for, 'in the forsaken tomb, the form 
beloved is laid!' 

''In how many instances did he cast the mantle of love over 
my deficiencies and short-comings! — and when he might have 
been 'much bold in Christ, to enjoin me that which is con- 
venient; yet, for love's sake he rather besought me.' 

"But it is as a candidate for heaven that I supremely feel 
my obligations to my departed husband. He^^e the dispenser 
and the possessor of all earthly joys must have their close; — 
jHere all sublunary bliss must cease! But f/iere, mortality shall 
put on immortality; ^nd the pleasures at God's right hand are 
for evermore. To his instrumentality I owe the hope of never^ 
ending happiness; and I rejoice in the blessed prospect, that 
from having been fellow-pilgrims on earth, we shall be fellow- 
heirs of glory in heaven. And if celestial happiness can be 
increased hy the re-union of terrestrial objects of affection, 
mine must receive addition from again beholding him. The 
anticipation cheers my widowed heart. Oh! that we may 
again meet, 'with our old and with our young, with our sons 
and with our daughters.' 

"As a father^ he possessed a tenderness and sweetness of 
affection almost peculiar to himself. How does my heart now 
thrill, while I recal the affectionate and parental emotions 
with which he took each new-born babe in his arms; and like 
Simeon of old, blessed it! Those prayers were registered 
in heaven, they have descended in blessings on his children, 
and they are yet 'the portion and inheritance for them, in their 
Father's house:' a bequest more precious than silver and gold. 
I doubt not that those prayers were accepted for the Saviour's 
sake; and the surviving parent adds her petition — 'Therefore, 



354 MEMOIRS OF THE 

now let it please thee to bless the house of thy servant^ that it 
may continue for ever before thee: with thy blessing let the 
house of thy servant be blessed for ever.' 

^'In portraying the general character of my dear husband, 
his peculiarly prominent feature of benevolence should be 
specially noticed; for he possessed it in the most extended and 
comprehensive meaning of the word. 

''It was a universal kindness and good-will, best described 
by the charity which ^beareth all things, believeth all things, 
hopeth all things, endureth all things. A charity which never 
failed.' There were occasions when according to man's 
wisdom, this virtue might have been and was thought to 
partake of the works of supererogation. And certain it is, 
that in some instances, the unsuspecting simplicity of his 
disposition subjected him to consequences which fully proved 
that the children of this world are wiser in their generation 
than the children of light! 

^'But he was ever mindful of the admonition, 'never impute 
a bad motive to any one, while you can find a good one.' 
The motto which encircled his heart was, 'glory to God in the 
highest, on earth peace, good will towards men.' 

"This was his Christian badge; nor can I recollect a 
single instance in which he ever laid it aside. 'Speak not evil 
one of another,' was a very remarkable characteristic of my 
beloved husband. With David he said, 'I will take heed to 
my ways, that I sin not with my tongue.' He appeared 
never to lose sight of this caution, nor did he ever fail to check 
the forgetfulness of it in others when occasion required. 

"His oivn breast was the sacred depository of any event, 
circumstances, or communication which cast reproach upon the 
church, or on individuals. And that with a conviction, founded 
upon the sure word of God, that 'the tongue is an unruly 
evil.' 

"You, dear sir, need not be informed of his unwearied 
labors of love, when publicly engaged in the cause of God. 
You well know that he counted no personal sacrifice too dear, 
so that he might win souls to Christ. 

"Were any tempted to think that he robbed his own to 
enrich others, and that enthusiasm carried him too often and 
too far from kindred ties, and from the appointed flock over 
which God had made him overseer? Let wife, children, and 
flock, separately and unitedly declare, without partiality and 
without hypocrisy, what was the spirit in which he returned 
among them. Was it not 'invariably 'in the fulness of the 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 355 

gospel of peace,' replenished with fresh arguments for each, 
that ^laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, 
and envying, and all evil-speakings; denying ungodliness and 
worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in 
this present evil world; laying up in store a good foundation 
against the time to come.' How animating were the details 
which he gave of his progress through the varied scenes of his 
pilgrimage, and how calculated to impress the conviction, that 
the love of Christ constrained him! 

^'Nor let it be supposed that the breath of fame kindled in 
his bosom any desires at variance with the duties of that more 
confined sphere in which he was permanently stationed. I 
always considered his missionary labors as productive of fresh 
energies for the discharge of his parochial duties. 

'^Instant in season, out of season, he preached the word 
with invigorating power and demonstration of the spirit. 
Giving all diligence to add to his faith virtue, and to virtue 
knowledge, and to knowledge temperance, and to temperance 
patience, and to patience godliness, and to godliness brotherly- 
kindness, and to brotherly kindness charity.' These things 
being in him, and abounding, they made him, that he was 
^neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord 
Jesus Christ.' 

"But his days are accomplished: he rests from his labors. 
He is now become a citizen of Zion, answerable to the des- 
cription of David, 'Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle.^ 
Who shall dwell in thy holy hill ? He that walketh uprightly, 
and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth from his 
heart.' And having joined the hundred forty and four thousand, 
in concert he proclaims, 'not by works of righteousness which 
we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the 
washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, 
which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ.' 

''It might naturally have been expected, that the horizon 
around this setting sun would have been gilded with many a 
bright though departing ray; and that he would have winged 
his flight to glory, commencing the hallelujahs on earth, so soon 
to be attuned to harps of gold in heaven: — that finding the end 
of all things was at hand, he would have spoken 'as the 
oracles of God, — declaring that he had not followed cunningly 
devised fables, when he made known the power of our Lord 
Jesus Christ.' That such was not the case, can, I think, be 
best accounted for by those who have most cause to mourn 
the deprivation. 



356 MEMOIRS OF THE 

"The feelings of the husband and the father were too sen- 
sitive for the weakened frame, which shrunk from the excite- 
ment to be apprehended from any direct allusion to the mourn- 
ful event which was about to rend asunder a link so strongly 
uniting- the family chain. This was the bitterness of death. 
For his own soul, he had long committed it to the keeping of 
God, in well-doing, as unto a faithful Creator; but he would 
not hazard an interruption to the peaceful calm with which he 
anticipated his dismissal from the body. He saw the re- 
strained anguish of my heart, and forbore to probe the wound, 
which he knew was rankling. This it was that imposed si- 
lence. 

"A more tranquil departure could neither have been wished 
nor granted. Every tumult was hushed, — all was serene, — 
death had lost its sting, for he had gained the victory through 
our Lord Jesus Christ. With the utmost composure, he put 
his house in order, feeling that he must die, and not live. The 
placidity of his countenance expressed the peace within, speak- 
ing more than words could have done; 'and now. Lord, what 
wait I for.^ truly my hope is even in thee.' Can I ever for- 
get the morning of that day which closed upon me as a widow 
(oh! word of sorrow) and desolate.^ With what prophetic 
earnestness did he pronounce the assurance, 'God will never 
leave you, nor forsake you! It is impossible!^ 

"This may be said to have been his parting benediction. 
For though some few hours more did elapse, before the de- 
parture of the spirit to God who gave it, yet the powers of 
nature were so exhausted, that briefly reminding me 'how 
merciful the Lord has been to us for many years,' and with a 
short exhortation to resignation, he continued in silent com- 
posure, waiting the arrival of the heavenly convoy, to be ush- 
ered into the presence of Him whom, not having seen, he 
loved — and whom now beholding, and knowing even as he is 
known, he falls down and worships; uniting with the innumer- 
able company of angels, the spirits of just men made perfect, 
and the multitude which no man can number, in singing the 
song of Moses and the Lamb. 'Mark the upright man, and 
behold the perfect; for the end of that man is peace.' 

"Such was my beloved husband, in life and in death. What 
he is in glory, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither hath 
entered into the heart to conceive. 

"Thus much (and this is all) we know, — 

He is supremely blest; 
Has done with sin, and care, and wo, 

And vd\h his Saviour rests/ 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 357 

^^In giving this transcript, dear sir, of thoughts so deeply 
engraven on my heart, many a pang has been revived. Mem- 
ory retraces joys and sorrows, each in their turn a source of 
grief. I am painfully reminded that God 'hath stripped me 
of my glory, and taken the crown from my head.' I see 
myself surrounded by the pledges of an ardent attachment, 
and I remember that my children ^are orphans and father- 
less — their mother is a widow.' They must set sail on the 
ocean of life, exposed to the chilling blasts of this inhospita- 
ble clime, without a pilot to warn them of the rocks and quick- 
sands to which they will be exposed. The guide of their 
youth, he who would have given to the young man knowledge 
and discretion is separated from them. How often will they 
have need to cry out, 'My father, my father I' 

''For myself^ I am left to travel the remainder of my pil- 
grimage solitary and alone. The bosom upon which I was 
wont to recline^ no longer beats with affectionate sympathy, 
responsive to my joys and sorrows. The evening of my days 
must close in cheerless solitude; but the voice of God is in this 
dispensation, and it becomes me to hearken unto it. He doth 
not willingly grieve, but says, 'turn you at my reproof.' 

"May the Lord ^raake me to know my transgression and 
sin. May my soul keep it still in remembrance, and be hum- 
bled in me.' 

" 'Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? Pru- 
dent, and he shall know them ? For the ways of the Lord are 
right, and the just shall walk in them.' I am, my dear s^, 
yours, very truly, Mary Richmond.'^' 

We feel extremely reluctant to trespass on this holy 
ground, or interrupt the train of solemn thought and feeling 
which these interesting letters of a beloved wife and an affec- 
tionate child must have inspired in the minds of our readers. 
Yet we cannot close this Memoir with satisfaction to our- 
selves, or justice to our esteemed friend, without noticing a 
few of those qualities for which he appears to us, and to all 
who knew him, to have been eminently distinguished. 

The following testimonies from those who possessed ample 
opportunities of forming a just estimate of his character, are 
at once a faithful and honorable record both of his public 
and private virtues. They will not be the less acceptable 
for being offered, for the most part, by men whose names are 
associated with the distinguished institutions that adorn the 
times in which we live. 
31 



OOB MEMOIRS OF THE 

^^I not only witnessed," says Dr. Steinkopff, ^Hhe ability 
with which he publicly advocated the cause of the Bible So- 
ciety, and the powerful and beneficial impression which his 
addresses produced on numerous and highly respectable audi- 
ences, but I also felt delighted with his Christian conversa- 
tion. I saw him devoutly perusing those sacred pages which 
he so effectively recommended to the attention of others, and 
heard many an edifying remark dropping from his lips. 

^^Instead of living to himself, he felt an ardent desire to 
live to the honor and glory of Him who died for him, and rose 
again. He closely watched his own heart, temper, and dis- 
position; and often expressed himself in terms of the most 
unfeigned humility and self-abasement, — renouncing all de- 
pendence on what he had done, and relying exclusively on the 
free grace of God, and the merits of his adorable Redeemer. 
In all my interviews with him, I witnessed a serenity of mind, 
and cheerfuhiess of temper, peculiarly calculated to recom- 
mend the religion of Christ." 

'•By this fine imagination," observes the Rev. Mr. Bick- 
ersteth, ''his devotional spirit, his full and copious flow of ex- 
pression, and his rich exhibition of the good tidings of redeem- 
ing grace, he interested, in a very uncommon degree, the 
large assemblies he was accustomed to address. Some of his 
most extemporaneous addresses had a beauty of conception, 
and a glow of feeling quite irresistible. Very many in our 
own country can testify, that through his labors they not only 
first became sensible of the importance of missions, but of the 
value of their own souls, and the infinite price at which they 
were redeemed." 

In allusion to his exertions in behalf of the Jews, the Rev. 
Mr. Hawtrey remarks: — 

" There was something in the cause of poor benighted and 
outcast Israel, which seemed peculiarly congenial with his af- 
fectionate and sympathising spirit. To exhibit their wrongs, 
and paint their sorrows, was a work in which he delighted to 
be engaged; and he did so with such genuine feeling and pa- 
thetic eloquence, that few could resist his appeals; and it 
would not be easy to define how much, under God, that now 
widely diffused compassion for this interesting, but long neg- 
lected people, is to be attributed to his pious and able exer- 
tions in their behalf." 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 359 

"Enough has been witnessed by me," says the Rev. Mr. 
Hughes, "on the road, in families, and at public meetings, to 
furnish the materials of an ample testimony in favor of that 
excellent and extraordinary man. To a sound understanding, 
a full command of thoughts and language, a free and graceful 
utterance, and an exuberant imagination, he added those 
qualities of the heart, which endeared him to the whole of that 
large circle in which he moved. Piety^ candor, courtesy, and 
Christian kindness were embodied in all his demeanor. Who 
that knew him could ever be reminded of the gall of bitterness, 
except by the perfect contrast of his own admirable disposi- 
tions } 

^'If all the professed ministers and disciples of our Lord 
shone with a radiance so mild, and exemplified a zeal so pious 
and affectionate, then would the church embody her arguments 
and persuasions in their most effective and impressive form." 

The Rev. Mr. Jones, of Creaton, one of his oldest and 
most esteemed friends, thus writes: — 

"He was no common man, whether considered as a writer, 
a speaker, a pastor, a parent, or a friend. I always felt it 
my honor and happiness to have the benefit of his acquaintance, 
and a share in his affections, which I happily enjoyed without 
interruption, from the time he came to reside at Turvey, to the 
day he entered his eternal rest. And I can now declare, with 
the greatest truth, that the nearer I came to him, and the 
more opportunities I had of entering into his real character, 
principles, and disposition, the more I loved and esteemed 
him." 

"I admit," remarks the Rev. Mr. Fry, "that the best of 
men are men at the best; and that religion has sustained no 
small injury from the unmeasured and injudicious encomiums 
bestowed on its professors, by friends and partisans. Legh 
Richmond might have his weaknesses as well as others, but his 
faults were the excesses of his virtues. After a very intimate 
and confidential intercourse with him for more than twenty 
years, I may aver, in the perfect integrity of truth, that in my 
judgment he was equalled by few, and excelled by none. 
Although there is a considerable affinity of character in the 
general attainments and labors of the distinguished servants 
of God, there were some qualities in him which might be more 
peculiarly called his oiun. 



360 MEMOIRS OF THE 

^^Harmony is ihe perfeci'wn of character ^ and Legb Rich- 
mood exhibited a beautil'ul combinatioD of yaried excellences. 
With aD acknowledged superiority of talents and acqoire- 
meots, and with a tide of popularitr and usefulness, which 
might hare induced a train of fearful temptations, he possessed 
a deep consciousness of his own unworthiness, and his conduct 
was marked with a most unfeigned meekness and humility: no 
one could be more exempt from display. His rich stores of 
material were always at hand, but they were never brought 
forward till the occasion called for them. It is often seen, 
that men of commanding minds are careless of the feelings of 
others, and unwilling to stoop to the infirmities of the weak. 
In Legh Richmond were united strength and sweetness; he 
had a ^ead of intellect, yd a heart of lore,' as was expres- 
sively observed by my friend Mr. Garrard. He possessed 
powers to grapple with a giant, and sensibility that would 
not trample on a worm; tenderness, forbearance, and sym- 
pathy characterised his intercourse with every one. 

'Olen of fine taste and delicate perceptions are frequently 
betrayed into fastidiousness; and are apt to be offended with 
the coarseness and peculiarity which sometimes dis^ures a 
sincere and genuine profession of religion; but Mr. Richmond 
kept his eye fixed on the jewel, however rough and unsightly 
the casket which contained it. 

*^His largeness of heart embraced every part of the church 
of Christ, and the kindness and cordiality of his manner en- 
deared him to all. 

^Trom his connexion and correspondence with good men, 
of every denomination, he was suspected by some of indiffer- 
ence and laxity towards the principles of his own community. 
'•But it he be the best churchman, the purity of whose doc- 
triae, and the fidelity of whose labors have the most direct 
tendency to check the progress of dissent, and to attract nu- 
merous worshippers within the walls of our own Zion, no man 
ever possessed a juster claim to this title than the subject of 
the present Memoir. 

'•He was conscientiously and firmly attached to the disci- 
pline as well as to the doctrine of the establishment, and 
never shrunk from its defence, when he thoi^ht himself called 
upon to advocate is cause. 

'•He was remarkable for his disinterestedness , and when- 
ever he asked a favor, it was for others, and not for himself. 
Perhaps I cannot better illustrate this part of his character 
than by relating an anecdote of Mr. Howe (one of Oliver 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 361 

Cromwell's chaplains,) to whom, in many points, Legh Rich- 
mond bore a strong resemblance. Mr. Howe was applied to 
for protection, by men of all parties, in those eventful times; 
and it is said of him, that he never refused his assistance to 
any person who was a 'worthy man,' whatever might be his 
religious tenets. 'Mr. Howe' (said the Protector to his 
chaplain,) 'you have asked favors for every body beside your- 
self, pray when does your turn come.' 'My turn, my lord 
Protector,' said Mr. Howe, 'is always come when I can serve 
another.' 

"He had a great abhorrence of slander in any form, or 
on any occasion: he shrunk from its foul breath, as if he 
feared his own soul would be polluted by it. It was a maxim 
with him, 'never impute a bad motive where you can find a 
good one; nor repeat a thing to the disadvantage of another, 
where imperious necessity does not require it.' 

"It is no small praise to say of any man, Hheij loved him 
best, who knew him most.' Legh Richmond had not an in- 
mate of his family, whether wife, child, or servant, perhaps 
scarcely a parishioner, who can even now hear his name with- 
out emotion. 

"It is little to say, that I truly loved him, and shall ever 
cherish his memory with affectionate veneration. 

"You, my dear friend, have a difficult task imposed on you, 
and much less time allowed than is needful, to satisfy the pub- 
lic or yourself^ in the execution of a work which is intended to 
exhibit the character of one ^who luas both a good and a 
great man^ in every person"^ s estimation but his own,^ " 

We merely add one more short testimony, from the Rev. 
Mr. Gauntlett, the vicar of Olney. 

"Thousands, and tens of thousands who have hung with 
admiration, affection, and interest on his eloquent addresses 
from the pulpit and the platform, will unite in the sentiment 
that 'a great man is fallen.' The sermons of Legh Richmond 
were characterised not only by a depth of piety, and a sound 
orthodoxy, in strict conformity with the Scriptures, and with 
the fathers of the English Church, but likewise by the most 
pathetic and affectionate appeals to his auditors on the subject 
of personal religion. — His addresses on public occasions, in 
behalf of many of the religious societies, were marked by ex- 
traordinary powers of description; by a pathos which deeply in- 
terested and affected his audience; by felicitous and appropri- 
#31 



362 MEMOIRS OF THE 

ate references to present circumstances, arising from the occa- 
sion; and by an eloquence peculiar to himself, which must have 
been witnessed to be duly appreciated. Mr. Richmond was 
strictly an extemporaneous speaker. The remarks of his 
brethren, and others on the platform, were frequently made 
the occasions on which he formed the most judicious com- 
ments, gratifying to their authors, illustrative of the subject, 
and which, while they delighted, at the same time instructed 
and edified his auditors." 

We intended to have drawn a summary of the character of 
Mr. Richmond, founded on recollections of nearly twenty 
years' continuance; but our anxiety to afford room for the 
contributions of others, leaves little space for our own. 

In the few remarks which we shall have occasion to offer, 
it is as a minister of the Gospel, and in the influence of his 
example and labors on the age in ivhich he lived, that we 
shall principally consider him. In the happy union of ministerial 
"qualifications; in the soundness of his doctrines, and their close 
approximation to those of the Reformation, we consider him to 
have been excelled by no man; and to have been a prominent 
instrument in reviving that sense of their value, and demand 
for their delivery which is now become so perceptible to every 
observer. With powers of mind far beyond the common 
standard, it was his peculiar advantage to be born in a period 
singularly suited to their developement. The Bible^ the 
Missionary, and the Jewish cause, were fit themes for a mind 
like his, and afforded ample scope for expatiating on the sub- 
lime truths and adorable mercies of the Christian revelation, 
and the unchangeable faithfulness, power, and love of their 
divine Author. Some men follow the impression of the times 
in which the providence of God has placed them. It was his 
lot to be one of the first and foremost in awakening and fm- 
parting it. He was evidently raised up for the age in which 
he lived, and one of the instruments chosen of God to give to 
it its form and fashion. With a persevering energy, which 
no labor could weary, he advocated the cause of the various 
religious societies to crowded and delighted auditories; and 
roused the public feeling in almost every part of the kingdom. 
We willingly allow to others their share of fellowship in this 
great work; but no one can review, with holy gratitude and 
love, the present extent and diffusion of this spirit, without ex- 
claiming, ''we owe much of this enlarged and noble feeling to 
the zeal and labors of Legh Richmond." 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 363 

With respect to the style and manner of his preaching*, 
after what has been already observed, little remains to be ad- 
ded. His views of a subject were powerful and comprehensive. 
He could present the same idea under different forms; com- 
municate to others the fervor of his own conceptions; astonish 
by rapidity, and please by variety. He delighted to lead 
the penitent sinner to repose on the promises and mercies of 
the Gospel; or he could awe the conscience, by depicting the 
solemnities of death and judgment. He was not always 
equal, and required excitement; but on occasions that de- 
manded the exercise of deep thought, and the capacity to 
interest, to inform, and edify, he seldom disappointed expecta- 
tion. If his labors had not been so extensively blest at Tur- 
vey, we should have said tiiat a more public sphere would 
have been better adapted to the character and powers of his 
mind. But the Lord knows best how to appoint our portion. 
St. John, even in the retirement at Patmos, was not preclud- 
ed from eminently serving the cause of divine truth; and in 
his prophetic page, unfolded events, embracing the interests 
of the church of Christ, till its final consummation in eternity. 

*B.s a public speaker j he possessed a felicity of idea and 
expression peculiar to himself. His thoughts were natural 
and simple. They seemed to flow without effort, and to be 
the spontaneous production of his mind; but his rich imagina- 
tion clothed them in a form that resembled the varied tints, 
the brilliant glow, and the harmonious coloring of the rainbow. 
His images were frequently borrowed from the scenes of 
nature, which were made to illustrate some instructive and 
spiritual truth. The lofty mountain and the verdant vale, 
the tranquil rivulet, or broad expanse of ocean, all became 
tributary to his imagination, and supplied materials to his 
creative fancy. He could affect the heart by touches the 
most natural, and by appeals the most pathetic. He could 
restore the spirit of a meeting when it was cold or languid; 
could speak early or late; could select his topics from the ideas 
of preceding speakers, or invent them for himself; while his 
delighted auditors would listen with a smile on the countenance, 
and with a sensation of joy in the heart, that seemed to take 
from time its flight, and from fatigue its weariness. If it be 
said that this style is less adapted to religious subjects, and 
must have possessed more of taste than solidity, more of what 
was interesting to the imagination, than edifying to the mind, 
or awakening to the conscience; truth and justice require us 
to remark, that he never forgot the spiritual improvement of his 



364 MEMOIRS OP THE 

hearers. As a speaker, he produced the effect excited by 
contemplating a landscape of Claude; but, as in the produc- 
tions of that artist, amidst scenes the most picturesque and 
lovely, the rivers or waters of the ocean always form a leading 
and prominent feature, so in the addresses of Legh Richmond, 
"the river of the water of life" was the one great subject that 
called forth every energy of his mind, every creation of his 
imagination, and every warm emotion of his heart. 

His conversational poivers deserve also to be noticed. 

He was usually silent, till called into discussion: but when 
once engaged in it, by minds kindred with his own, and 
on topics endeared to his feelings, he was peculiarly instructive 
and interesting. From the stores of his rich and highly 
cultivated understanding, he would pour forth a mass of valuable 
and solid information, that surprised by its extent and excel- 
lence. As he pursued the inquiry, new views and conceptions 
succeeded each other in rapid succession, like the traveller 
who extends his horizon as he scales the summit of the 
mountain. His reflections shewed the fertility of his intellect, 
and the benignity of his heart. He was eloquent, because his 
mind was ardent; and persuasive, because truth was his aim 
and object. These qualifications gave to the hours of social 
converse a charm which refreshed the spirit, and warmed and 
purified the heart. And if conversation were but more im- 
proved to these ends; if it were considered, not as the mere 
act of friendly and social intercourse, but as the interchange 
of kind and affectionate feeling, and the occasion of mutual 
edification, it would then answer the important design pre- 
scribed in the greatest of all standards. "^ It would be a 
means of grace; and while the stream itself might lead to the 
living fountain, the bond of social union would be strengthened, 
the affections of the soul be developed, and sorrows lose half 
their bitterness, by the sweetness of Christian solace and 
participation. 

In this humble endeavor to delineate his character, how 
strongly does his image present itself to the mind of the writer! 
Recollections of the past rise up in quick and affecting succes- 
sion. Hours, once enlivened by edifying and delightful inter- 
course, are gone by for ever, embittered by the regret, that 
the profit they were calculated to afford was not more highly 
appreciated. Yet to memory they are ever dear. And so 

* ''Let your speech be always with gi-acC; seasoned with salt.'' — Coloss. 
iv. 6. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 365 

long as affection shall glow in the heart, and earthly friendship, 
founded on the principles of the Gospel, be justly considered 
as one of the sources of pure and exalted enjoyment, he will 
ever enumerate it as one of the causes of deep-felt gratitude 
to God, that he was honored by the friendship of Legh 
Richmond. 

If it be said, that in the above outline there is a faithful 
enumeration of what is excellent in the character of Legh 
Richmond, and that what now remains is with equal fidelity to 
record what is defective; painful as it is at all times to 
exercise so ungrateful an office, we are nevertheless supported 
by the conviction that we can record no blemish that affected 
the loveliness of the Christian, or the estimation of the man. 
The vulnerable part of his character has been considered to 
be his supposed neglect of his family and parish. But we 
confidently appeal to the numerous letters inserted in this 
Memoir, exhibiting the most unequivocal proofs of pious soli- 
citude for their religious principles and conduct; we appeal 
to the testimonies borne by his wife, and by one of his own 
children, whether this charge is not most successfully refuted; 
and whether the parental and domestic virtues do not form that 
portion of his character on which the heart reposes with delight 
and admiration? In reference to his parish, let his pastoral 
letters, let his school, his communicants, his converts, and the 
tears and benedictions of his bereaved parishioners be his 
witnesses before men, as they are his record before God. In 
pursuing our inquiry, it will, perhaps, awaken the astonish- 
ment of the reader, who has been contemplating the laborious 
career of his life, to be told that indolence tvas naturally his 
besetting sin, Hhe thorn in the flesh,' against which he had un- 
ceasingly to contend. It will be remembered that in his diary, 
the following remarkable words occur; ^sloth, detested sloth, 
how does it injure my advancement;' and again, ^vhat methods 
shall I take to cure my spiritual slothfulness ? There must be 
a struggle and agony — heaven must be taken with violence.'* 
We more particularly mention this fact, that we may magnify 
that grace which could thus convert indolence into activity, 
and supineness into zeal, till life itself become the sacrifice of 
his exertions, and he died literally spent in his Master's 
service.* 

* See pag-e 42. 

t It was stated by Dr. Thackeray, a well-known and inj^hly resncclahlc 
physician in Bedfordshire, wlio attended him in liis last illness, that he loll a 
martyr to his ministerial labors, — that the deatiiofhis son might have hastened 
the evcnt^ but that his frame had been sinkinj^ for the lust two years. 



366 MEMOIRS OF THE 

Let the reader improve the knowledge of this circumstance 
to his own personal edihcatiou, and reflect that natural infirm- 
ities aflord no justification for their indulgence; that they are 
not only to be resisted^, but may be subdued; that God's 
strength is perfected in man's weakness, and that divine truth 
has declared for our encouragement, ''My grace is sufficient 
for thee." 

There was also an excess of sensihiUfij in Mr. Richmond's 
character, often injurious to his inward serenity and comfort, 
and which placed his feelings too much under the dominion of 
others. His tender spirit could not bear an unkind word, and 
still less an uncharitable act; and in the hours of confidential 
intercourse, he would deeply mourn over a tendency, even in 
what is called the religious world, to exercise a censorious 
spirit, incompatible with Christian charity, and with the mild 
precepts of the Gospel of peace. Latterly the events of life 
powerfully affected him. The editor could not avoid contrast- 
ing his friend's feelings, at this period, with the calm serenity 
which he manifested in the supposed last moments of his dy- 
ing wife. Nor can he reject the conviction that men feel and 
act difierently in diflerent periods and circumstances of life. 
The vigor of faith, so far as it is a gracious principle, may 
and ought to triumph over the ills attendant on mortality. But 
diminished health and weakened nerves frequently exercise 
their efi^ect on the energies of our Christian graces; and sen- 
sibility is often in danger of becoming too acute from accumu- 
lated trials. No character indeed excites much interest that 
is deficient in sensibility, and the powers of refined taste, 
the rich imagination, and the capacity to enjoy and to impart 
affectionate emotions, are intimately allied to this qualification. 
But if not duly regulated, sensitiveness of feeling preys upon 
the heart, and undermines the strength; and the body may 
become the shattered victim of its inroads, and sink into pre- 
mature decay. 

We have already alluded to his unfitness for the secular 
concerns and business of common life. It might be that his 
mind was absorbed with higher contemplations, and that he 
forgot the perishing dust of this earth, in his pursuit after the 
imperishable riches of heaven. His excellent wife amply sup- 
plied the omission; and the manner in which his children have 
been brought up, and educated, to the period of his decease, 
is the best commentary on the subject. 

We are not aware that we are either called upon or able 
to enumerate any thing further. And yet, if we knew of any 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 367 

unfavorable circumstance, that might operate as a warning to 
others, though at the expense even of our revered friend, we 
assure the reader that such is our strict regard for truth, and 
our desire to fulfil the ends of impartial justice, that we should 
not feel justified in withholding it. We wish to assign to 
him no virtues which he did not possess — to impute to him no 
defects with which he is not justly chargeable. The first 
would have wounded his humility when living, and could reflect 
110 real honor on his memory, now that he is dead. The latter 
would equally violate both truth and friendship. We are con- 
vinced that his own estimation of himself would be best ex- 
pressed in the language of the publican — "God be merciful 
to me a sinner!" 

But let us raise our thoughts beyond the tribunal of erring 
mortals. To Legh Richmond the judgment of man must now 
be a matter of profound indifference. Praise the most elevated 
can add nothing to the enjoyments of that scene on which he 
has entered; censure the most severe can detract nothing from 
its blessedness. Let it rather be our inquiry, how we may 
best imitate the virtues that have been recorded, and learn 
those moral truths with which his history is connected. 

Let those who have been accustomed to view characters 
like Mr. Richmond through an unfavorable medium, here re- 
cognise their error, and acknowledge how prejudice distorts 
the judgment, and vitiates the feelings of the heart. One 
benefit which the writer humbly anticipates from the present 
undertaking is, that prejudices may be removed or softened, 
and a more just estimate be formed of the doctrines, princi- 
ples, and system of conduct, which have been brought under 
the contemplation of the reader. Let their correctness be 
determined not by preconceived notions, but by a reference to 
the Bible, as the works of the Reformers, and the Articles 
and Homilies of the Church of England. The conviction, he 
trusts, will not fail to follow, in the mind of every candid 
reader, that it is only in proportion as men like Mr. Richmond 
are raised up and multiplied, that the piety and interests of 
our own church, and those of our common Christianity, can be 
effectually upheld and promoted. 

While the admirer of the works of Providence, the hus- 
band, the father, and the Christian may derive important in- 
struction from the example and writings of Legh Richmond, 
it is to the ministers of the sanctuary that he pre-eminently 
holds forth a most profitable subject for contemplation. The 
prominent feature in his character is his laborious usefulness. 



368 MEMOIRS OF THE 

In endeavoring to trace the causes of this fact^ we should dero- 
gate from the grace of God, if we ascribed too much to the 
nature of his endowments, to the elegance of his taste, or the 
richness of his imagination. These qualifications may com- 
mand admiration, but they are not necessarily associated with 
usefulness. Instances, alas! might be multiplied in proof of 
this assertion. In his case, it was their application that en- 
nobled their character, by elevating their object and tendency. 
All the faculties of Legh Richmond were consecrated to the 
glory of their divine Author. In inquiring more minutely into 
the causes of his success, we may observe, that he possessed 
the three important qualifications specified by Luther as e^ 
sential to constitute a good preacher, ^'prayer, study, and 
temptations.^^ Prayer brought from above the descending 
Spirit, study furnished the materials for thought, and outward 
trials and inward conflicts perfected the work of ministerial 
fitness. The purity of his doctrine was a farther influen- 
tial cause. He was "in doctrine uncorrupt." His divinity 
was not diluted with earthly mixtures, but flowed from the 
rock; and that rock was Christ. The Saviour was exhibited 
in all his various offices, as Prophet, Priest, and King, and 
embodied in every precept and promise. 

His affectionate manner of address was another concur- 
ring cause. It has been observed that some ministers preach 
as if they were ''scolding their people."^ It was Mr. Rich- 
mond's uniform aim to win by aff*ection. No preacher more 
fully verified the remark, ''speaking the truth in love." 

He teas singularly adapted to the age in which he lived. 
He might truly be said to be born for the times, and to possess 
the very qualifications which the character of the age most 
demanded. 

His zeal was also a distinguishing characteristic. His 
heart was in his work. He was "fervent in spirit, serving 
the Lord." In every work that he began in the service of the 
house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to 
seek his God, he did it with all his heart, and prospered.'^ ^ 
2 Chron. xxxi, 21. 

The union of these qualifications will generally be found 
to be the best pledges of ministerial success. 

But we hasten to bring these remarks to a close. 

It must be no small source of satisfaction to that venerated 
individual, whose endeared name is associated with one of the 

* We believe this remark is attributed to the late Mr. Scott. 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND, 369 

brightest triumphs of humanity,* that he was the instrument, 
chosen of God, first to awaken the mind of Legh Richmond 
to clear and saving views of divine truth; and, from the period 
when these impressions of divine grace were productive of so 
great a change, that his course was marked by such extraor- 
dinary usefulness, till death, terminating his labors, put its seal 
of consecration on his memory. At the close of a life, dis- 
tinguished not less by length of years, than by virtues, and 
by a series of eminent services, that must ever enrol the name 
of Wilberforce, among the friends and benefactors of man- 
kind, may the above recollection furnish one more cause for 
pious gratitude to the Author of all his mercies. May his 
excellent and well-known work on ^'Practical Christianity" 
be read with increasing profit by the present and by succeeding 
generations; and may his declining days be so cheered by the 
peace, and joy, and hopes of the Gospel, as to resemble the 
glowing beauties of a setting sun, which brightening the horizon 
with the splendor of its rays, expires amidst a flood of light 
and of glory. 

May too the providence and grace of God raise up among 
us ministers like-minded with Legh Richmond, — men suited 
to the character of the age in which they live, — whose minds 
are as expanded as their hearts are accessible to all the sym- 
pathies of Christian charity, — eminent in piety, zeal, endow- 
ments, and usefulness, — willing to "spend and be spent" in 
their Master's service, — who "serve the Lord Christ," — 
"pastors after his own heart, who shall feed the people with 
knowledge and understanding." May this wish be the more 
ardently felt and offered up from the conviction that no national 
reformation is ever likely to take place among us, that is not 
first preceded by a reformation, as wide as it shall be effec- 
tive, among our National Clergy. May the consciousness 
that many are already departed in the Lord, who were dis- 
tinguished by this spirit, and that many still survive who are 
drinking of the same fountain, encourage us to hope that this 
period is fast approaching, and that the quality of the first 
fruits is the best pledge of an abundant and glorious harvest; 
and while we pause over the graves of a Cecil, a Robinson, 
a Martyn, a Scott, and a Richmond, let us listen to the whis- 
perings of that warning voice which tell us, "Be ye followers 
of them, who through faith and patience have inherited the 
promises." 

* The abolition of the Slave Trade, accomplisiicd by the persevering 
efforts of Mr. Wilberforce. 

32 



370 MEMOIRS OF THE 

If too our Brethren will pardon the solicitude which prompts 
the appeal, we would respectfully address them in the impres- 
sive words of Bishop Taylor. 

"God gives of his Spirit to all men, but you he hath made 
the ministers of his Spirit. You are, and are to be respec- 
tively, that considerable part of mankind, by whom God in- 
tends to plant holiness in the world; by you God means to 
reign in the hearts of men; and therefore you are to be first 
in this kind, and consequently the measure of all the rest. 
You are the choicest of his choice, the elect of his election, 
a church picked out of the church. They are to be examples 
of good life to one another; but you are to be examples even 
of the examples themselves. You may be innocent, and yet 
not ^zealous of good works;' but if you be not this, you are 
not good ministers of Jesus Christ. You must be excellent, 
not Hanquam unus de populo,^ but Hanquam homo Dei;'* not 
after the common manner of men, but ^after God's own heart;' 
not only pure, but shining; not only blameless, but didactic, 
in your lives: that as by your sermons you preach in season, 
so by your lives you may preach out of season; that is, at all 
seasons, and to all men; that they, seeing your good works, 
may glorify God on your behalf, and on their own."* 

And oh! how great and transcendent will be the reward of 
the Christian pastor who has labored with patience, and has 
not fainted, and who shall at length reap the harvest of an 
eternal blessedness! His trials may, in numerous instances, 
be signal, as in the case of Legh Richmond; and successive 
purifying dispensations may be the ordained messengers of 
God's providence, and necessary to accomplish the mysteri- 
ous purposes of his grace; but the days of mourning shall have 
an end, and the year of recompense is at hand. And then 
how justly may we apply the animating language recorded in 
the Volume of inspiration: — ''Who are these which are ar- 
rayed in white robes? And whence came they.'* And I said 
unto him, sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are 
they who came out of great tribulation, and have washed 
their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 
Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him 
day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne 

* See Bishop Taylor's Sermon^ entitled, ^The Minister's Duty in Life and 
Doctrine.' 



REV. LEGH RICHMOND. 371 

shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither 
thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any 
heat. For the Lamb, which is in the midst of the throne 
shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of 
waters; and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes."^ 

^ Rev. vii; 13—17. 



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